A man has been arrested in connection with a spate of bin fires across Bedford, including one that forced a popular Bedford cafe to close ahead of one of its busiest weekends of the year.
Bedfordshire Police confirm that a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage by arson in connection with a series of fires in Bedford between Wednesday (18 June) and this morning (Friday). He remains in police custody for questioning.
There were reports of fires at Oasis Beach Pool, Goldington Road, Bedford High Street, Avon Drive, and the Longholme Cafe over the last few nights, with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service receiving calls to a new fire just minutes after putting out another.
The owners of the Longholme Cafe praised fire fighters.
“With special thanks to Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who, without their work last night, we would have no café at all,” they said.
Read: Popular café suffers serious damage as police investigate early morning arson attacks
Bedfordshire Police is urging anyone with information that could support their ongoing investigation to report what they know online at beds.police.uk/ro/report or call 101, quoting reference 40/34460/25.
Update: This article was updated at 11:30 on 20 June 2025 to add details from Bedfordshire Police about the person arrested and their witness appeal.
This is a breaking news story. Further details may be added as they become available.
