Police are investigating the cause of a “large” van fire which broke out twice last night.
Witnesses called Herts Fire and Rescue with reports of the vehicle ablaze in Berry Avenue, Watford, at 8.54pm yesterday (April 4).
A Garston Fire Station crew arrived and found the vehicle “well alight” before putting it out and leaving by 9.40pm.
- Atria Watford: 10 pumps attend electrical fire
- 'Two-hour delays' as firefighters free people at scene of M25 crash
- Police confirm Hartspring Lane car fire not treated as arson
But then just after 10pm the service was called again with reports that it had reignited, following which firefighters returned to the scene.
“Firefighters extinguished the fire and thoroughly damped down the scene, before handing the incident over to the police,” a spokesperson said.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire is taking place this morning.”
An eyewitness told the Watford Observer that they did not see the initial "large" blaze start but by the time they noticed it the van was “covered in fire”.
After fire service left, they spotted the bottom of the van had started “sparking” before the fire began “growing and growing” until it engulfed the vehicle again.
This morning, a Herts Police spokesperson confirmed: “It is the believed the fire was started deliberately and enquiries are continuing.
“Anyone with information is asked to please contact police, quoting crime reference 41/27114/24.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here