The police are treating a car fire at a nature reserve in Swindon as arson.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent a single crew from Westlea to the scene off Hudson Way, between Abbey Meads and Penhill, at around 5.40pm yesterday.
The roaring blaze in Seven Fields Nature Reserve was extinguished by firefighters using two breathing apparatus wearers, a hose reel jet and low expansion foam.
A local resident, who we are not naming for his safety, said the vehicle had been driven around the location by “delightful little children” on both Wednesday evening, and again yesterday afternoon, before being abandoned in flames.
“They also drove recklessly along a footpath through the reserve on Wednesday evening, where there were families walking with children and dogs”, he told Wiltshire 999s.
He added: “This is a nature reserve with a large range of flora and fauna. The wild flower meadows hold many rare flowers and are being damaged.”
Wiltshire Police has today confirmed it is investigating the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to a report of a car being abandoned and set on fire at Seven Fields last night at approximately 5.40pm.
“The fire service dealt with the fire and the council are dealing with the recovery of the vehicle.
“Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 54210013943.”
