A CHRISTIAN charity shop has been the victim of three suspected arson attacks in three days.

The Christian Community Action Furniture Outlet on Silver Street has had progressively large fires lit in the garden of the property over the last three nights.

At 9pm on Wednesday one fire engine from Caversham Road station was called to tackle a burning shed.

Despite fire fighters battling the flames for half an hour, the shed was completely destroyed along with much of its contents including a lawnmower and BBQ.

Watch manager Steve Whiteside said: “The shed and its contents were 100 per cent damaged by fire and a nearby lorry was left with blistering to the paintwork.

"At the moment I'm treating it as suspected arson pending further investigation because there was evidence of other fires."

Yesterday's blaze was the third in three nights, with the scorching of a bush on Monday coming before a picnic table was set alight on Tuesday.

A worker of the furniture outlet who did not wish to be named said he was worried the fires would continue and escalate.

Julia Andrews, the shop's operations manager, was quick to reassure customers and staff that the situation was under control.

“I am not remotely worried,” she said.

“We have taken every reasonable precaution. There is nothing on the premises that can be burnt.

“We pray for the individuals responsible for the damage caused by the fire, and pray that they would come to understand the consequences of their actions in all senses.”