AN 82-year-old Rubery pensioner has hit out at firebugs who torched his garden.

Christopher Murfin, of Leach Heath Lane, is warning villagers to be vigilant after his rear hedge, shed and plastic green house were destroyed in what is believed to be an arson attack.

Red Watch, from Northfield Fire Station, rushed to his home last Monday teatime when Mr Murfin, a retired electrician, heard a crackling noise while reading a newspaper in his conservatory.

The widower told the Advertiser/Messenger: "I went to investigate and saw that my hedge was on fire. It was too much for me to handle so I rushed inside and called 999.

"The shed had lots of tools and gardening equipment in which are now destroyed, mainly belonging to my son Roy who lives with me," said Mr Murfin, who has suffered a stroke. His homebacks onto St Chads Recreation Ground and he believes children started the blaze.

"It's sad because a few idiots so easily make a bad name for the youth of today," the great granddad added.

Bromsgrove district councillor David McGrath (Lab, Beacon) is concerned about Mr Murfin's vulnerability following the blaze. "I have been in touch with the council and I hope, as a one off measure, we can erect a wire fence at the rear of the property to protect Mr Murfin's home."