Two 'suspicious' fires which broke out, causing extensive damage to a car and property in Hinckley are being treated as linked by police.

Both incidents were reported within an hour of each other on the night of Monday 25 May and early hours of Tuesday 26 May.

The first fire was reported at 11.50pm on Monday in Gopsall Road where outbuildings were set alight.

A car parked in one of the buildings was damaged and a neighbouring outbuilding also suffered fire damage.

Shortly afterwards, around 12.30am on Tuesday a car port was set alight in Westray Drive. The blaze spread to the adjoining house.

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The occupants of the house and neighbouring property had to be evacuated.

Police say no one was injured, however extensive damage was caused to both the car port and house.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forwards and specifically want to speak to a man who was seen in the Gopsall Road around the time of the incident.

He is described as being white, of medium build and in his early twenties.

Pc Geraldine Beech is investigating the incidents, she said: "We do believe both incidents are linked due to the similarities and timescales in which they have occurred.

"Both fires caused extensive damage to items and property and it’s very lucky that no one was injured.

"If you know anything about the incidents or remember seeing someone acting suspiciously in these areas at the beginning of last week then we urge you to get in touch.

"Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us move this investigation on."

Anyone with information should call police on 101.