The shocking moment an elderly Newport couple's eight-feet-high hedge goes up in flames

Residents in an area of Lliswerry are demanding immediate action to halt relentless attacks being carried out by vandals.

Noel Duggan, 82, and Sandra, 79, both of Heath Close, are the latest victims of anti-social behaviour. Yesterday evening, a neighbour knocked on their door to tell them that their eight-foot-high conifer hedge was on fire.

Fire in Lliswerry

“We couldn’t believe what we were seeing," said Mrs Duggan.

“It was like hell.

“I was worried that the fire was going to spread onto the van and shed.”

She added: “It could have been a lot worse. I do not want to think what would have happened if it had reached the house.

“We are feeling fearful.”

A picture of the hedge the following morning.

Mr Duggan claimed that the area is being besieged by anti-social behaviour.

He has called on Gwent Police to “do everything they can” to find those responsible.

“This area is constantly being targeted by vandals,” he said.

“Nash Road was hit recently by vandals. Dozens of other places nearby have too.

“Police need to catch those who are responsible.

“This is a lovely place to live but our livelihoods are being impacted by mindless vandals.”

A nearby resident echoed similar remarks, saying: “This is not the first time that a hedge has been set on fire in this area.

“It is outrageous.

“We feel as if we are constantly being targeted and attacked by vandals.”

A spokeswoman  from Gwent Police said that the incident is being treated as arson and that enquiries are ongoing
She added: "We have not received any reports of deliberate fires in the area over the last month but we are working with our partners to combat general anti-social behaviour in the area."

And local neighbourhood sergeant for Newport East, Chris Back, said:

"Fires can have serious consequences for those who light them and innocent members of the public. Luckily nobody was hurt on this occasion.
"Whilst every effort is being made to identify those responsible and ensure they are held to account, we know this is part of a wider issue of general anti-social behaviour that we are also working hard to combat. 

“There is currently an ongoing plan to deal with these matters, including increasing our presence through additional patrols by officers and outreach work with partner agencies.

"I’d like to remind residents, if you witness vandalism or anti-social behaviour in your area, please call 101 or you can also send a direct message to our Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter social media pages. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."