E. Prov. arsons may be hate crimes

East Providence police confirmed they are investigating two arsons in the city as hate crimes.

The two separate fires broke out in the city earlier this month. The first broke out inside a trailer at National Packaging Supply off Taylor Drive Sept. 23. A few weeks before this fire, the building was spray painted with swastikas, investigators revealed during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

Police said a second fire was set at a Rumford home Sept. 27. Swastikas were also sprayed on the house, as well as a racial epithet. A mother and her three children live in the house. Police said they are a mixed race family.

The East Providence Police and Fire Departments, along with the Rhode Island Fire Marshal's Office, are asking the public for help in solving the crimes. They are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information should call the State Fire Marshal's Arson Hotline at 401-462-4242.