Five cars have been set ablaze in Hyde Park in one night during a multiple arson attack. Firefighters were called to the junction of Edwin Road and Regent Terrace to battle three car fires.

The fire services were later called to two other blazes near the Business School on Moorland Road at 4:18am and Belle Vue Road at 4:39am. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have confirmed that the fires were all deliberate attacks.

Two of the targeted vehicles belonged to Leeds University students. One of the victims, second year student Pascal Siddons, said he had been told “all five fires were started by the rear windscreens being smashed in and something flaming being put in the boot. In the case of my car, the fire went through to the fuel system and blew up the engine as well as destroying most of the interior.”

He added that the police “have not as of yet found the people responsible.” Dental student Jacob Curtis’ car was also targetted. He told LS: “The car was parked outside my house in Hyde Park. My flat mate Jasmine woke me up around 4am screaming the house down.”

He added: “We looked out the window and could see the fire engine and they were extinguishing my car. The two other cars on the other side of the road had already been put out.” Ian Bitcon, from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Setting fire to cars is reckless behaviour which risks the lives of others. We advise car owners to make sure they park in well illuminated areas to prevent themselves falling victim to this sort of crime.” He added: “We will work alongside police to crackdown on arson and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Sean Hayes

Photo: Pascal Siddons