POLICE and firefighters have set up a special crime watch in a bid to catch arsonists responsible for nine fires this month.

Most of the blazes have been cars and vans parked in Banbury town centre, but fireraisers have also struck in Bloxham, where a 'for sale' sign was set alight and in Chipping Warden, where straw bales were set alight.

Police have stepped up their bid to catch the criminals, and have set up an intelligence-sharing link with the fire service. They are also appealing for information.

Det Sgt Ian Hunter said: "I urge the community to think if they saw anything that could help our investigation.

"We are also keen to hear from people who may have information on the offender or offenders.

"These incidents have caused substantial damage and could very easily have become much more serious, putting people and their homes and businesses at risk. We are working closely with the fire brigade, and a joint protocol has been devised to ensure all incidents are attended by both services and that intelligence is shared."

The move comes after seven vehicles were set alight in Banbury last week.

On Thursday, a Ford Fiesta was set alight at about 8.40pm on West Bar street - causing damage to a Saab 9-5, and at about 8.50pm a Suzuki Vitari was set alight on Horsefair.

Just before 9pm a Mercedes Sprinter van was reported on fire outside Ye Olde Reindeer Inn on Parsons Street.

On Wednesday, two vans were set alight at about 10.45pm in the Beaumont Business Centre.

The blaze also damaged three industrial units. Shortly afterwards, a delivery van parked at Helibeds in the Southam Road was discovered in flames.

On Monday, just after midnight, a van parked in West Bar was set alight.

Det Sgt Hunter said: "These incidents are the first vehicles fires we have had in the Banbury area for some weeks. However there has been a notable rise in arson offences with a 'for sale' sign set alight in Courtington Lane, Bloxham, on Monday and a straw fire in Chipping Warden on Sunday."

He added: "These incidents have caused substantial damage and could very easily have become much more serious, putting people and their homes and businesses at risk."

Police are appealing to anyone with information can call Det Sgt Hunter on 08458 505505, or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555111.