Cars torched in suspected arson attack

Aug 23 2007 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A GARAGE owner said he was “bewildered” at the possible motive of a suspected arson attack.

It is thought that intruders must have climbed over a nine foot spiked metal fence at the Ashington Autodrome to gain entry.

One car was completely written off while another two were badly damaged in the blaze on Tuesday night.

Manager Chris Thompson could not understand what might have prompted the incident.

He said: “It looks like somebody has climbed in through the back.

“One car was completely burnt out and the two next to it were damaged.

“That’s about £16,000 worth of cars.

“I’m a bit bewildered by the whole thing.

“I have no idea why anyone would want to do it.”

Detectives were investigating the cause of the fire yesterday, though it is thought to be arson.

Youths were seen loitering in the vicinity of the garage before the blaze. But, for any intruder, entrance to the garage could not have been straightforward.

Mr Thompson continued: “We have tall metal fencing with spikes on the top.

“They have risked body and limb to climb over the fence.

“The only thing we can hope for is someone coming forward to volunteer some information.”

Fire officers were carrying out a joint investigation with Ashington police yesterday. Blyth Fire Station sub-officer Tony Sewell said: “We are treating it as suspicious.

“The cars involved weren’t that old, around 2003 and 2004 registrations and the damage could run into tens of thousands of pounds.”

Meanwhile, Betty Bell, whose husband Robert raised the alarm, was surprised at the sight.

She said: “It was just a mass of flames. It was frightening.

“There was one car in the middle which was well on fire and others around it that were scorched.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08456 043 043.