Police are exploring whether or not 3 fires in East Cowes are linked as they launch an investigation into the latest suspected arson attack in the town.
As first reported by Island Echo, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised crews from Newport and Ryde to York Avenue yesterday evening (Tuesday) as a blaze broke out, severely damaging 2 vans.
The fire began underneath a Mercedes Sprinter van belonging to a local firm, Islandwide Carpets, shortly before 18:30. The fire then took hold, spreading to a Vauxhall Astra van parked in front. Witnesses say that a small fire was noted on the nearside (closest to the pavement).
Firefighters worked to douse the flames and bring the situation under control before alerting Police to their suspicions that the fire was started deliberately, potentially with the use of an accelerant.
It comes just 10 days after another van caught fire in suspicious circumstances. A 22-reg alcohol delivery van also mysteriously caught fire at the front of the vehicle, closest to the pavement. Both incidents happened within metres of one another, and only a few metres away from where 3 cars were damaged by fire back in July.
Fears are growing in the community that a serial arsonist is at large following this 3rd incident in just 6 months.
Police have confirmed that no arrests have yet been made.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“We were called at 6.24pm yesterday by the fire service to York Avenue, East Cowes, where two vans were alight.
“We are currently investigating the cause of the fire and anyone with information can report it to us by quoting 44220511576.”
I think it is terrible.
Do you? I’m not so sure.
Thats terrible and very worrying whats next, property ?? hope they catch the culprits soon.
This is very amusing
It is awfull, this could have been your lorry/company van parked on a residential road for months on end without a thought for neighbours and other road users…..imo.
If this was London, cctv would be used to catch the culprit. Over here, our wonderful council and the police done away with cctv
Why didn’t East cowes fire engine attend????
Maybe residents getting fed up with firms vans taking up parking spaces in residential areas when they should be left at the yard. They are a bloody menace. No excuse for arson though.
that island is full of nutters