Two arson attacks have taken place at a toilet block in Axminster – and there has been a third suspected arson at a toilet block in Colyton.

The ladies’ toilets in West Street, Axminster, are closed because of the damage caused in the latest attack a few days ago. The same block was targeted in May.

In both cases the fire started in a sanitary bin and there was evidence that it had been deliberately set alight. Both incidents have been reported to the police.

East Devon District Council expects the loos to reopen by Monday, July 31 at the latest.

Firefighters were called out to Colyton’s toilet block in Dolphin Street at about 8.50pm on Tuesday, July 25, after reports of smoke coming from the building. A fire had started in the roof void. Two appliances from Colyton and Seaton attended.

This incident is also being treated as a possible arson, as a person was seen behaving suspiciously nearby soon before the fire was reported.