Police investigate 3 suspicious fires in Sydney

Police are investigating three suspicious fires in Sydney, including two at homes where there were people inside.

Cape Breton Regional Police said all three fires occurred around the same time early Saturday, and in the same neighbourhood.

"Our investigators are looking at the fires as being connected by no other reason being the time, proximity between the three fires," said Staff Sgt. Max Sehl.

The first fire was reported at 12:20 a.m. on Argyle Street. A shed was destroyed, but no one was hurt.

About 30 minutes later, there was a report of a burning building on nearby Lorway Avenue. The building, which contained three apartments, was extensively damaged but no one was hurt.

There was another fire at a home on the same street.

Police say someone set fire to a wreath attached to a front door. The homeowner put out the fire, but there was some minor damage to the door.

It's a frightening situation for people in the area.

"It's bad enough our cars get broken into every now and then," said Mike Isherwood, who lives near the apartment building.

"Throwing eggs is one thing, but putting little fires on front decks," he added, "this is not a good idea."

Police have added extra patrols in the neighbourhood.

The arson task force and the fire marshal's office are investigating.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 902-563-5151, or through Crime Stoppers at 562-8477 or www.capebretoncrimestoppers.ca.