A police team has been assigned to investigate a spate of fires “in and around the central Pembroke area in recent weeks”, according to Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro.

Mr Pedro said: “These events are not currently known to be linked, but we are examining this possibility.

“The setting of fires around occupied structures places lives at risk, damages property, and is of serious concern to the Bermuda Police Service.”

His remarks came after police started investigating a suspicious fire yesterday at a Pembroke residence.

Officers arrived at a Peat Lane home to find a fire in its pump room had been put out.

A fuel canister containing gasoline was found at the back of the house.

Police also found a partly burnt bag and gas canister cap.

Mr Pedro said police were committed to safeguarding residents and neighbourhoods.

He said Clifford Roberts, the office in charge of the Criminal Investigations Unit, was leading a team of detectives examining evidence and working to identify suspects.

Mr Pedro added: “We are appealing to anyone who may have knowledge of, or about these incidents to come forward and assist.

“If you know something, say something.”

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service has reported a string of car fires around Pembroke since last year.

A light truck was found engulfed in flames the early hours of Monday on Parsons Road, while on March 11, at 4.30am, a car and five bikes were set alight on Rambling Lane.

Just over the parish border, on Roberts Avenue, Devonshire, a car fire was found at 10.15pm last December 31.

On December 14, at 3.45am, fire destroyed an open-back truck at Curving Avenue, while on June 11, 2020, a single car fire was tackled by firefighters at 11.50pm, also in Pembroke.

Mr Pedro called for anyone with information on recent fires to contact officers directly at the Criminal Investigations Unit on 247-1744, or the main police line, 295-0011.

The independent, confidential Crime Stoppers number can also be reached at 800-TIPS (8477).