News / Bradley Stoke
Dozens of vehicles set on fire across north Bristol
Fifteen minibuses and between eight and ten cars and vans have been almost completely destroyed in a spate of arson attacks.
Fires were started in the early hours of Sunday morning in Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Patchway.
The attack on the Rolls Royce carpark in Patchway destroyed the four towns’ entire fleet of community transport minibuses used by schools and charities.
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The first vehicle was set alight on New Road in Stoke Gifford, with cars also ablaze on Gatcombe Drive and Sandringham Road.
Some residents were woken up by vehicles’ fuel tanks exploding but there have been no reports of injuries or damage to buildings.
Cars and other vehicles were set alight in the early hours of Sunday morning – photo: Chris Kelly / BBC
Bradley Stoke mayor and town council spokesman Tom Aditya said the attacks were “appalling and shameful” – photo: Chris Kelly / BBC
In a statement, Avon & Somerset police said: “Police and fire crews are investigating after a number of vehicles were deliberately set on fire in South Gloucestershire.
“The first call came in at around 1.30am on Sunday 3 April, reporting a vehicle fire in New Road, Stoke Gifford.
“By 5.30am there were further reports, with up to 20 vehicles set alight in locations across Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford.
“At about 3.45am more vehicles were on fire in a car park at Rolls Royce, Filton. Around 20 vehicles there were damaged as the fire spread.
“Residents may have heard some of the vehicles’ fuel tanks exploding. Thankfully there have been no reports of injuries or damage to buildings.
“We’re working closely with the fire and rescue service to respond to these incidents. Officers will be carrying out house-to-house enquiries and making a thorough investigation alongside Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
“At this early stage the damage is making it difficult to identify vehicles in order to notify the owners. We’d like to hear from anyone who finds their own vehicle has been damaged, as well as anyone with information or dashcam, CCTV or other footage which could help our enquiries.”
A van belonging to Stoke Gifford Parish Council burned out at Little Stoke Park – photo: Chris Kelly / BBC
In a tweet, Angela Morey, a Labour councillor on Bradley Stoke Town Council, said that it was “such a low day for our happy area”.
She said: “Can’t believe the malice in torching the four towns’ community minibuses, a vital service for so many in north Bristol. This cruel act has long lasting repercussions and I will do whatever I can to help.”
In a video message, Morey added that she will be able to do “whatever you need” for anybody who has been affected.
Main photo: Angela Morey
Read more: Man charged over arson attack on SWX
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