WATCH: Arsonists destroy five cars in neighbouring Telford streets
Residents watched on in horror as five cars were destroyed in a suspected arson attack in Telford today.
People rushed out into the street in the early hours of this morning as flames engulfed three cars in Brackenfield, Brookside.
One of the cars, a Vauxhall Insignia, rolled 100 yards down a hill and smashed through a garden fence.
And in Brindleyford, the next street across, another two cars were set alight in a night of high drama.
WATCH: Video from the scene by Wayne Baker:
Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as arson. One of the car owners, who asked not to be named, said he was “absolutely gutted” about what happened.
“I had no idea about it until I woke up and saw a note through my door from the police,” he said. “I’m absolutely gutted.
WATCH: Firefighters tackle two of the car fires. Video: Wayne Baker
“It’s not what you need when you need to work and you’ve got a pregnant wife to look after. We’ve only been here about three or four weeks so we don’t really know the area that well.”
Neighbour Jamie Jordan watched the action unfold. He said: “I heard a lot of shouting and thought nothing of it. I was woken up again and saw two cars on fire. My mum rang the fire brigade and while she was doing that, another one went up in flames. I went running out to knock on people’s doors and tell them.”
He provided CCTV footage to the police.
Another resident from Brindleyford said: “I heard all this banging out in the street. We all got woken up.
“It’s not the first time something like this has happened. Kids are always up to no good, and have caused damage to cars before.
“It’s a shame because people work hard to have nice things. Now they’ve been ruined. It’s mindless idiots.”
Shropshire Fire Service was called to Brindleyford first at 12.55am yesterday.
They said: “Two fire appliances were mobilised from Telford Central and Tweedale. A fire investigation officer was in attendance.
“Incident involving two cars approximately 10m apart in an outdoor car park. Four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets used to extinguish. Fire investigation carried out.
They were then called to Brackenfield two minutes later at 12.57am.
Shropshire Fire added: “Two fire appliances were mobilised from Much Wenlock, Telford Central and Wellington. Operations and fire investigation officers were in attendance.
“Incident involving three saloon vehicles destroyed by fire. Two breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets used to extinguish. Fire investigation carried out.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police are carrying out enquiries after five car fires in Brookside. It’s believed the fires were started to deliberately and are being treated as arson. Enquiries are on-going and police are appealing for witnesses.
“Patrols have been increased in the area to offer reassurance to local residents.”
Anyone with information should contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference on 13s 231019 or alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org
