Series of fires in Bendigo and Elmore areas

Detectives from Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit are investigating following a series of grass fires yesterday.

Emergency services were called to two fires in the vicinity of Lanmore Road and Elmore-Barnadown Road, Avonmore about 3.30pm on 13 December.

The fire burned through a large area of farmland and destroyed a hay shed.

Later in the evening emergency services were called to multiple fire locations between Carag Carag and Toolleen including:

• Midland Highway near Old Deviation Road, Carag Carag

• Midland Highway, Corop

• Midland Highway east of Frawley Road

• Northern Hwy between Belt Rd and English Lane, Runnymede

• Northern Hwy near River Road

• Northern Highway near Axedale Road, Toolleen

It is believed all the above fires occurred in quick succession from about 10.30pm onward.

Just over an hour later Emergency services were called to Axedale-Toolleen Rd, near the McIvor Hwy in Axedale, following reports of a grass fire about 11.40pm.

Shortly after 1.10am emergency services attended another fire, this time in Kangaroo Flat.

It is believed the fire began in bushland along Read Lane.

The cause of the fires is yet to be determined and police are investigating.

Investigators are keen to speak to anyone in the area who may have witnessed any of the fires or persons or vehicles in the vicinity of the fires about the times they began.

Police have been told a vehicle similar to an XD model Ford ute with a light bar was seen near the scene of one of the fires.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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