Suspected arson attack on ice cream van

An ice cream van exploded in "a massive ball of fire" after a suspected arson attack in Telford early today.

Steve Khan was woken up just after midnight to be told his van was engulfed in a fire - just feet from his home on Queen Elizabeth Way in Malinslee.

The Ford Transit van was completely destroyed by the fire and a BMW estate car parked next to it was also damaged.

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said officers were investigating but confirmed the blaze appeared to be of "dubious origin".

Mr Khan, 32, said he believed the fire may have been caused by a petrol bomb. He said: "I went outside and the van was just a massive ball of fire. There's gas in the slush puppy machine and the whippy machine so it just exploded.

"The fire started from the front and just ripped through the back - it's pretty nasty."

Mr Ammonds added: "It does appear to be of a dubious origin and we are currently investigating."

Firefighters from Telford Central fire station also attended the scene.

Watch manager Peter Hawkins said residents had moved the BMW car away from the flames by the time crews arrived just before 12.30am.

"There are a number of possible explanations as to how the fire may have been caused and we are not yet in a position to say how it started," said Mr Hawkins.

Anyone with information is urged to call Telford police on 0300 3333000.