Fire crews have launched a two-week arson awareness campaign in Bicester.

The publicity drive follows a spate of 11 suspicious fires in the town in just a week.

Paul BrembleSigns have been put up around the town asking people to be more vigilant and to report anyone acting suspiciously.

Leading firefighter Paul Bremble, pictured, who is heading the campaign, plans to visit businesses to give out leaflets advising people how to protect their premises. He also aims to visit both comprehensive schools in the town, Cooper School and Bicester Community College, to give talks on arson and fire safety.

Since September 12, there have been three rubbish fires, five car fires, one grass fire, one hedge fire and one property fire.

The most serious fires were on the Launton Road industrial estates last weekend.

A derelict building in Telford Road, last occupied by Excel Mouldings, was set alight. The ground floor was damaged, and fire burned through to the upper floor, making it unsafe. In another incident early on Sunday, two cars were set alight by arsonists who broke into the yard of Wedgewood Crash Repair Centre, in Wedgewood Road. A third car nearby was severely damaged by the heat of the blaze.

Mr Bremble said he believed there were two groups of youths involved in the attacks.

Sgt Paul Crook, of Bicester police, believed people knew who was involved in the attacks and is urging them to come forward.