Police in Turku suspect that two 14-year-old girls deliberately started several fires across the southwestern city over a period of months.

According to a statement from the Southwestern Finland Police Department, the teens are suspected of starting six fires between October and February.

Among other things, the girls are suspected of aggravated arson and vandalism. The youths have admitted to carrying out the crimes, according to police.

A boy of the same age is suspected of taking part in starting two of the blazes.

However, as all of the suspects are under the age of 15, they cannot be held criminally liable. But they could be liable for the damages they cause, according to the department's Juhani Malmberg.

"The total amount of damages is still being determined. At worst, the youths will be liable for damages they caused for the rest of their lives," said Malmberg, who is leading the investigation.

The six fires were started across the city, including a building on the Ilpoistentie road, a disused daycare centre on Susiniitynkatu, a parish house demolition site in Rusthollinrinne, an abandoned house on Päähatekatu, and outdoor toilet and garbage shed in Uittamo, and most recently an abandoned residential and commercial property in Ruukinrinne.

Police said they were able to track down the arsonists after concerned parents contacted them.

Edited at 7:35 on 8 April to reflect that police suspect two girls of the crimes, rather than a group.