Police say they have had “numerous complaints” from residents that teenagers have been breaking into abandoned houses around March and causing criminal damage.

“The properties have been boarded up, but the boards were removed from the windows, so they could get back inside,” said a police spokesman.

“Last week this escalated to an arson attack at one of the properties where teenagers were seen to leave the property just before a fire was reported.

“Please make sure you know where your teenagers are, at all times.

“Anybody found in these properties will be dealt with.

“Anybody who has any relevant information regarding this arson, please call 101.”