People in Weston-super-Mare were awakened by the sound of explosions early this morning (May 18). Since then, emergency services have confirmed that up to 14 vehicles have been set on fire and the cause has been found to be “intentional ignition”.
Local fire crews were called to Custok Road around 5 a.m. and found two vehicles on fire on arrival. Firefighters were able to put out the fire with the help of high-pressure hose reels and a breathing apparatus.
Avon and the Fire and Rescue Service said: “Weston crews were called in to report a vehicle fire at 5 p.m. Upon arrival, the crews found that two vehicles were on fire. With two firefighters carrying breathing apparatus, the crews used two spools of high-pressure hoses to put out the fire. ”
READ NEXT – Railroad workers near Weston-super-Meyer narrowly escaped a train crash at 95 mph
The fire service added: “An environmental package is also used to limit the impact of water runoff. Colleagues from the police were also present. The cause of the accident was found to be arson. “
A local woman logged in to Facebook to share her arson experience. Gillian Starchild publishes on the page Custok, our village, our community. She wrote: “All morning. I woke up to the sound of explosions. The car is burning in the parking lot on the top road. Police have just said it is the 10th in the last hour.
“Another climbed up to Worl as we stood and watched the fire department. We saw smoke.
“Obviously they started in Baker Street downtown and randomly set cars on fire … absolutely fascinating!” Police said if anyone saw anything, let them know.
BELOW: BBC Radio Bristol shared footage of the fire on social media.
Since then, Avon and Somerset police have confirmed that no one was injured in the series of suspicious fires. Now they have begun their investigation into what happened – they said the arson seemed to be accidental, not deliberate.
The forces said: “Officers were called from the public shortly after 4 am today (Wednesday, May 18) to attend the Wooler Road area following a signal for burning vehicles. At the moment, we know of about 14 vehicles damaged by fire with reported accidents on Gerard Road, Arundel Road, Upper Church Road, Cecil Road and Custow Road.
“Officers have carried out in-depth searches in the area and the drone has been deployed to help search for the person or people responsible. At this stage, we do not believe that the fires were directed and it seems that they were carried out indiscriminately. “
Investigators will review CCTV footage and conduct house-to-house inspections today. If you have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the mentioned areas or have other information, call 101 and give the reference number 5222117183.
Read more related articles Read more related articles
Add Comment