AN arsonist who has struck four times in two days was being hunted by police today.

In the latest attack, a vintage Ford Popular, which was being restored, was severely damaged after a blaze in Thursfield Road, Burnley, at around 8pm yesterday.

And around an hour earlier fire crews were called to the same garage complex, where garden furniture stored by the Lounge pub in Higgin Street, was destroyed.

It was the fourth time in two days that firefighters had been called to the complex which has around 20 separate units. The first two incidents were more minor fires.

Fire chiefs said neighbours were becoming increasingly concerned about the problem, as many use the garages to store their new cars.

Residents have spotted a youth on the garage roofs tops on two separate occasions and have provided police with a description.

Watch manager Peter Ashworth said: "We were there for around an hour last night to make sure the fire was completely out which causes problems for us because it means we were tied-up and would have been unable to get to a more serious fire if the need arose.

"The youth we are trying to trace has been seen on the roof on Wednesday and Thursday and when residents went out to challenge him all they got was lip.

"It is becoming a major concern for residents and we are urging parents or anybody who knows who this youth is to contact the police."

The boy is described as aged between 12 and 13, wearing a new red England football shirt and dark tracksuit bottoms. He has short dark hair and is a thin build.

Anybody with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001.