Families living on a Letchworth street who saw a fire spread to three back gardens in the early hours of Sunday morning are growing increasingly concerned for their safety.

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack which took place between 2am and 2.15am in Parkfield on the Jackmans Estate.

Fire crews used hosereels to put out a fire on fencing which was ‘well alight’ and had spread to two more back gardens, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to a pair of sheds and a caravan.

An eyewitness said: “Neighbours – who were still up waiting to watch the Pacquiao versus Mayweather boxing match on TV – knocked on every door on our street when they first became aware of the fire.

“There were gas canisters in one garden and a fridge freezer in another, which both could have exploded if the fire had spread any further. A lot of people were in the street, including young children who were obviously very shaken up by all of this.

“One person’s shed has been completely burnt down and another has had their caravan ruined.

“There have been small bits of vandalism in the area, but nothing like this, so something needs to be done. It’s a deliberate attack, it’s petty and it’s too far – it’s endangering people’s lives and it shouldn’t happen.

“My family are waking up and jumping at any noise in the night and others living on this street don’t feel safe any more.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.