POLICE and firefighters in Scarborough have launched a joint investigation after firebugs wreaked havoc in the town.
A string of arson incidents last night culminated in a blaze at three homes in Endcliff Crescent, Barrowcliff, which was tackled by more than 50 firefighters with six appliances.
The fire, which was reported at 9.20pm and which the authorities believe was started deliberately, began in outbuildings, but spread to the three nearby properties and ripped through their first floors.
Two of the houses were unoccupied and the occupants of the other had got out as soon as they realised there was a fire.
Earlier in the evening. Scarborough firefighters had been called to a number of incidents - most of which were fires started by children.
The incidents included a clothes recycling bin that was set alight in North Street, a rubbish fire at a play area in Linden Road and a car fire in Merrydale, Eastfield.
Updated: 11:50 Tuesday, April 16, 2002
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