TERRIFIED residents from a Southampton neighbourhood at the centre of an arson probe have called on police to catch the fire starters before someone is killed.

Families in Bitterne say they are “living in fear” after arsonists torched four cars and vans within just two hours.

It comes just weeks after another spate of arson attacks saw at least four other vehicles targeted in the same neighbourhood.

Today police have stepped up their investigations into the latest attacks and have called forensic and specialist dog units into action as they work on the theory they are linked.

But the force was unable to confirm whether the previous attacks were at the hands of the same person.

In the latest spate a Renault Megane Scenic parked on a driveway in Beechwood Gardens was set alight causing some damage to the house and affecting the power supply to the property.

A Ford Transit van parked behind a row of garages in Nomad Close was also targeted.

It was just yards away from Edelvale Road, where a Ford Focus was set alight in the early hours of September 13 and another van four months previously.

Andrew Conner, 52, the owner of the Ford Focus which was turned into a fireball said: “They need to catch them as soon as possible “The police say there’s no way to tell if they are all linked but it seems weird that it keeps happening all the time.

“If you hear thunder or any loud noise outside you think it’s another car going up and it keeps my partner awake.

“The fact that it’s affected a house this time means something more serious could happen unless it’s stopped.”

Stuart Woods, 55, from Nomad Close, added: “It’s terrible.

“I’m constantly looking out of my window if I hear something at night and you feel on edge.”

The latest spate also saw a Citroen Picasso parked on a driveway in Bullar Road burnt out, a Vauxhall Movano van in Macnaghten Road targeted and an extractor fan of a property in Vangyard Road set alight.

A white Vauxhall Astra van was also set on fire in Macnaghten Road in the early hours of October 19 and flames spread to a black Mercedes 4x4.

Detective Sergeant Shula Williamson said it was too early to determine whether all the incidents are linked and added: “We will be looking at all lines of inquiry speaking to witnesses and members of the public and considering other incidents.”

Anyone who witnessed the arsons between 12.30-2.30am on Sunday should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.