POLICE hunting an arsonist who is blowing up rural postboxes warn that someone could be killed.
Shredded hot metal is sent flying like a nail bomb when the large fireworks explode inside the postboxes.
In the last two weeks six postboxes and a telephone box have been attacked in Helsby, Norley, Tattenhall, Malpas, Tarporley, Winsford and Chester.
Inspector Phil Hodgson, of the Western Rural police, said: 'Whoever these people are, they have been terrorising the area for some time now. The first incidents go back to July. We currently have a specialist team on this case and whoever is responsible will be caught.
'Our worry now is that, with fireworks officially going on sale today, that there will be more attacks.
'These incidents are not funny, someone will get seriously hurt or killed.
'When a firework is set off in the post-box, and on occasion a telephone box, it does explode and hot metal flies in many directions. It is essentially like a nail bomb.'
It is believed the explosions are caused by the same person who plagued rural communities during the summer by setting fire to mature hedgerows.
During the last four weeks the arsonist has struck in various locations, usually at weekends, and placed fireworks in the postboxes. All that is left after the explosion is an empty shell.
Residents are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their mail.
A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: 'The postboxes are emptied twice a day so hopefully not a lot of post is being affected. All mail that is still deliverable will still be sent with an explanation letter.
'The postboxes should be replaced in the next couple of weeks.'