THE number of arson attacks on cars is rising to almost 20 a week, fire chiefs have revealed.

Five vehicles were torched within 24 hours over the weekend.

"We used to get one or two a week maximum, but now we're getting 15-20 in a week," said sub officer Mike Clark.

"Some are stolen and burnt, others are being burnt where they stand. I would urge people to be more vigilant and make sure cars are locked at night, reducing the chances of cars becoming a victim to it."

Runcorn firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, tackled toxic fumes from a burning vehicle on Frodsham marshes in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Another car was set on fire in Sandy Lane, Weston Point, at 9pm, on Saturday.

Thick, black toxic fumes gushed from another blazing vehicle in Haddocks Wood, an hour later.

A blazing motorbike had to be dealt within half an hour.

A car was ignited by vandals in Murdishaw in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The police are investigating and would like to hear from anyone with information.

Call crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555 111.