A SOUTHAMPTON resident who claims his community is being terrorised by young firestarters is calling on the authorities to take action before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Joseph Paglia, of Arnheim Close, Lordswood, says it is only a matter of time before the fires that are usually started in residential bins and piles of rubbish get out of hand and cause serious damage or injury.

The 55-year-old was speaking after several bins were set alight along the road where he lives with one blaze spreading to the front windows and fascia of his neighbour's home.

He said: "The whole front of the house has been burnt. It looks like it has been firebombed.

"The recycling bin was set alight and other bins along the road.

"This is certainly the worst I have known it here.

"Any one of these fires could have taken hold with tragic consequences, lives could be lost.

"But what bothers me most is the attitude of the police, they still haven't come around to see my neighbour who had the damage done to her property two days after it happened."

But Hampshire police say they are aware that a pattern is emerging in the area and are taking steps to address the problem.

Insp David Harrison of Shirley police station said: "I certainly appreciate what the residents are saying and share their concerns with this spate of fires that appear to be located in this area.

"I can assure them that we are aware of the problem and taking steps to address it and adjust our beats accordingly in the area.

"What we would ask for is the help of the community though.

"Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police."

The area is also part of a pilot project that is aimed at reducing the number of arson incidents in Southampton.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service arson reduction co-ordinator, Les Vivian said: "We are working with the police to identify these hot spot areas and we have identified Lordswood as being one of them.

"Every week our control passes over all the bin fires and small rubbish fires that we class as arson to the police and then we can take appropriate action if a series of them is identified.

"This is reckless vandalism and this project will hopefully help.''