Police have issued a warning after an arson attack in Egremont.

A large bin behind a property near Beck Road was set alight yesterday, November 4, between 7.05pm and 7.20pm.

Cumbria police said nobody was injured during the incident but officers are warning that the repercussions could have been serious.

Sergeant Graham Boyd said: "People who set these types of fires need to be aware their actions could have serious consequences.

“A fire started in a large commercial bin could easily get out of control, spread to nearby properties and, ultimately, lead to loss of life.

“Setting small fires also calls emergency services away from other incidents and means valuable time and resources are being stretched. We are taking these incidents seriously and I would urge anyone with information to contact police."

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Cumbria police on 101 or email 101@cumbria.police.uk, quoting incident 191 of November 4.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.