TWO minibuses and a car were set on fire during a series of ‘utterly mindless’ arson attacks.

The incidents all happened around 30 minutes apart a short distance from each other in Haslingden.

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Amongst the vehicles was a nursery school minibus which was gutted after being set alight at around 4.30am yesterday.

It had been left in a car park next to the town’s police station, just off Hazeldene Avenue.

Around 15 minutes later in Cross Street South a second minibus was attacked, leaving the vehicle badly damaged.

Then at 5am a £36,000 Jaguar was targeted in nearby South View.

Rachel Budd, the manager of Rainbow Child Care, said: “I was completely and utterly devastated when I saw the minibus.

“There are approximately 70 children who use it for afterschool clubs and holiday trips.

“It is not fair on the children at all. They have done nothing wrong.

“I have informed all the parents what has happened. It is so upsetting.”

Saj Khan, 35, said he had been looking after the second minibus, a red Ford, for his cousin when the arsonist struck.

The breakdown recovery worker said: “I saw the van and it had been completely torched.

“I told my cousin straight away, who is now upset and devastated.

“People are now petrified about leaving their cars out on the street.

“Something like this is shocking.”

Inspector Catherine Platt said: “Obviously this is a distressing incident.

“It is upsetting for the owners and all the people who use the minibuses.

“Anyone with information has been asked to come forward.”

A 45-year-old man from the Rossendale area has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage - arson and was last night in custody.

* Police have said they are not linking the incidents with a car fire which happened in Warwick Street Haslingden at 4.20pm yesterday.

Firefighters were called after reports of a white Volkswagen Golf engulfed in flames.

An investigation is now underway into the cause of the blaze.