Seven cars set on fire in Telford arson attacks
Arsonists are believed to have set fire to seven cars in Telford early today sparking several explosions. Police have launched an investigation into the car fires, all of which happened within 40 minutes in Leegomery.
Arsonists are believed to have set fire to seven cars in Telford early today sparking several explosions. Police have launched an investigation into the car fires, all of which happened within 40 minutes in Leegomery.
They are treating the incidents as suspected arson and are putting on extra patrols. The first fire happened in a Honda 4x4 just before 1.50am in Leegate Avenue, followed by another under a car in Chepstow Drive, Wellington, at 1.55am.
A fire then broke out in Cheltenham Court just after 2am.
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Fire crews then had to go to Anson Drive, in Leegomery, Telford, at 2.10am before another call came in about black BMW on fire in Aintree Close, in Leegomery, minutes later.
Crews from Wellington tackled the blaze. The vehicle suffered 50 per cent damage. Two 4X4 vehicles, including a Land Rover Freelander, were then set on fire in Halifax Drive.
Paul Skitt, 66, of Cheltenham Court, in Wellington, said his Kia Rio was destroyed in a blaze at about 2am.
"I was woken up with the doorbell ringing and it was the young lad from across the way and he was shouting your car is on fire.
"I came outside and the flames were coming out of the bonnet and going over the roof .
"There were several explosions and I was worried because there was a full tank of petrol in the car
He added: "It was only valeted yesterday."
A resident in Leegate, who did not wish to be named, described another 'big explosion' when the Honda 4x4 caught fire.
Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said: "We are investigating a number of car fires that occurred in Leegomery this morning.
"We are working closely with the fire service to establish the cause of the fires and forensic officers will be attending each scene to glean potential evidence.
"We will be looking at the possibility that the same individual or individuals are responsible for starting each fire but we will keeping an open mind.
"We will be ensuring extra patrols day and night around Leegomery in the next few days."
