Two fires that occurred in Maclean last week remain under investigation.

Coffs/Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Joanne Reid said around 3 am on May 18, a male wearing a dark jacket, pants, and white joggers was observed on CCTV taking a wheelie bin from behind Harvey Norman to the rear carpark before burning some rubbish. The wheelie bin was completely engulfed in flames and melted onto the carpark bitumen. On the same date, another small fire was lit by an unknown person/s at Maclean District Hospital.

Police confirmed the damage was sustained to a sign and a security access control device. Chief Inspector Reid said the potential for significant damage and serious injury was ever-present due to the reckless activity of the individual/s involved and investigations are ongoing. It is not yet known if the two incidents are linked.

Anyone with information relating to the two fires is encouraged to contact Maclean Police, Grafton Police, or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.