POLICE are desperately hunting an arsonist who has set fire to more than 40 vehicles since the start of the year.
Detectives have reported that the assailant has been targeting residential streets in the south of the borough, in one instance torching eight cars in one night.
While they are hot on the trail of the arsonist, police have not ruled out the possibility that more than one person is involved.
Vehicles have been torched across the borough, but concentrated in Yiewsley, and in the Hayes wards of Barnhill and Botwell.
The Gazette first reported at the beginning of March that the arsonist was on the loose, having torched 12 vehicles in three weeks.
Since then the crimes have accelerated at such a degree that it is estimated that he may have struck on more than 40 occasions.
So far police have been unable to establish a pattern to the attacks, other than that they seem to be random, and take place in quiet residential streets. Often several cars have been hit in adjoining streets.
Detectives are using forensic work to attempt to track down the culprit, and are working closely with the Fire Brigade to put an end to the wrecking spree sooner rather than later.
London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Steve Turek said: "The Brigade is working closely with the police in a joint effort to reduce arson in Hillingdon.
"At this time we are asking for the public to be vigilant and to pass on any relevant information to the police."
Detective Sergeant Andy Dent, officer investigating, said: "These offences are being committed by a person, or persons, who have no regard for the safety of others, or regard to other’s property. It is only a matter of time before such acts seriously injures someone."
If anyone has any information regarding these fires they should contact Hillingdon CID on 0208 246 1447 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.
