Joyriders smashed a BMW into a play park in Swindon and set it on fire – before fleeing.
Emergency services were called to Seven Fields, a nature reserve in Penhill, at around 8.45pm on Friday evening (13 June) following reports of the incident.
A blue BMW was found to be well alight, with firefighters from Stratton fire station put out the flames as police officers swarmed the housing estate.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that “two breathing apparatus wearers used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire”.
Locals reported seeing a number of young males fleeing the scene on foot before 999 crews arrived. Speculation suggests they may have been armed and masked.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that nobody was injured, with an investigation launched.
“The car was driven erratically around the sports field before being set on fire in the adventure park”, a spokesperson for the local Parkrun said.
It threatened Saturday morning’s evening – but following checks, it continued as normal.
In a statement, Central Swindon North Parish Council wrote: “Due to a fire, Penhill Seven Fields aerial slide will be closed until we can replace the beams.
“Police will seal off the area this evening and we’ll aim to clear debris as soon as permitted to access on Saturday, June 14.
“Please warn children to avoid the area.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference 54250072278.
