Police are investigating after a van was destroyed in a blaze in Swindon.
Fire crews were called to the scene in Harding Street Car Park, in the town centre, at around 3.30am this morning (Thursday).
Dozens of local residents – including many children – were evacuated as emergency services feared the flames could spread to nearby homes.
Firefighters from Swindon and Westlea stations attended the scene.
“Four breathing apparatus wearers used three hose reel jets to extinguish the fire”, a Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.
Adding that “a thermal imaging equipment was used to check an adjacent property due to some light smoke issuing from the front of the property”.
One Micheldever-branded van was completely destroyed by fire, while a second van – DPD-branded – parked next to it suffered significant damage. A car was also damaged.
Dozens of tyres were removed from the first vehicle and piled up nearby.
Wiltshire Police said the cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but an investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious around the time of the incident, or who may have CCTV footage, is asked to call 101 quoting log 26 of today’s date (9 October).
