The number of arson attacks in Redbridge has plummeted by almost 90 per cent in a decade.

According to the London Fire Brigade, there were only 97 deliberate fires in the borough in 2012/13, compared to 219 the year before.

The figures are a stark contrast to 2003/4 when there were more than 800.

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “It is more difficult than ever for mindless vandals to endanger the lives of Londoners by setting fire to rubbish and vehicles left in our streets.”

He urged everyone to report dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles to Redbridge Council so it can be removed before becoming a target for arsonists.

Firefighters are partly putting the sharp decline down to the rocketing value of scrap metal, making it less likely cars will be abandoned or set alight.

The price of light iron has risen by £120 per tonne in the last 10 years, according to Let’s Recycle.

European Union laws making car manufacturers set up free recycling schemes also reduced the number of dumped cars.

Most of blazes attended by firefighters in London were deliberate 10 years ago but now accidents are the leading cause.

Arson investigations started after two cars were found alight in Ilford and Seven Kings earlier this month.