People in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton are being asked to be 'more vigilant' after a bin fire in the early hours of this morning, the sixth fire of this type in recent weeks.

Devon and Cornwall Police is already investigating several 'suspicious bin fires' after incidents in both towns.

The Bumble and Bee tearoom in Phear Park and Exmouth Pavilion both sustained considerable fire damage after bin fires earlier this month and police are treating both fires as suspicious.

East Devon District Council has circulated the following warning on social media this afternoon: "Following a number of fires in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton our priority is to keep you safe.

"We are asking all resident's to please be more vigilant.

"Ensure all fire doors, communal entrance doors and bin store doors are kept shut and locked where possible.

"Ensure all communal hallway are clear of any items. Report anything suspicious to Estate Management or in an emergency situation the Police and/or Fire Service."

Firefighters assisted with a fire outside a property in Budleigh Salterton in the early hours of this morning (24 July).

Police were also called and are investigating the cause of the fire.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Two fire appliances from Exmouth and one from Sidmouth attended reports of a fire potentially involving a property on Greenway Lane in Budleigh Salterton.

"On arrival crews confirmed a fire involving wheelie bins to the front of the property.

"The fire had also damaged part of the front of the building and caused smoke logging in two flats which had to be evacuated.

"To deal with the incident crews used one hose reel jet, one safety jet, small tools, two short extension ladders and a thermal image camera.

"After the fire was extinguished, the scene made safe and the flats ventilated the occupiers were allowed back in.

"The cause of the fire is being investigated and the police also attended."