Council has notified Police of at least six rubbish or recycling wheelie bins that appear to have been deliberately set alight on Tancred Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The bins had been placed on footpaths on a two-block section of Tancred Street between West Street and Winter Street, ready for kerbside collection by Ashburton District Council contractors today.

Council Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann said it appeared as if someone had walked along Tancred Street, lifting wheelie bin lids and setting fire to the contents.

“Police were called about 3am and some of the fires were put out, and inquiries are now under way."

Both red and yellow wheelie bins were targeted.

“Some of the bins have burnt right down to the footpath. This is really disappointing, and we are extremely fortunate that there was no damage to nearby homes or buildings.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.