A SERIES of arson attacks on a Weymouth estate has sparked fears that a blaze could spread to residents’ properties.

In the latest fire in Beverley Road, Littlemoor, a trailer with a pile of wood on top was set on fire in the middle of the night.

There have already been repeated arson attacks on cars behind a block of flats in the road and residents are worried a fire could catch the trees and spread to their gardens. Les Austin’s house backs on to the car park where the latest fire took place.

She said: “The fire was right under the trees.

“If it had caught the trees then with the wind it would have brought it down here and then with the fence we don’t know what would have happened.

“It would have damaged the fence and we’ve got garden furniture out there.”

Miss Austin said the smoke came towards the house.

She said: “I could smell it coming through the windows when I was in bed.

“We can hope that’s the last of it.”

The blaze was already well alight when Maria Curran arrived on a visit from Liverpool.

Ms Curran said: “It was already a roaring fire when I pulled in.

“It’s a small group who give the area a bad reputation.”

Other neighbours said abandoned cars have also been set on fire in Beverley Road.

Coral Mears and her family have suffered from two firebomb attacks on their cars and this summer somebody smashed one of their windows.

She also saw the trailer fire.

She said: “It’s kids and people know who they are.

“I heard noise outside before it started and I knew something was going to happen.”

A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed they believed the fire was started intentionally. He said: “At 10.40pm on Tuesday, firefighters from Weymouth extinguished a trailer which was destroyed by fire in Beverley Road in the Littlemoor area. Two hose reels were used.

“It was thought that the fire was started deliberately.”

Anyone with information can call Dorset Police on 01305 222222.