Appeal after vehicles set on fire in South Gloucestershire
Police and fire crews are investigating after a number of vehicles were deliberately set on fire in South Gloucestershire, saying they think two people are to blame
Last updated 5th Apr 2022
Avon and Somerset Police are on the hunt for whoever damaged dozens of vehicles in South Gloucestershire over the weekend (Sunday 3 April).
Officers first received a call at around 1:30am in the early hours that a vehicle was on fire in New Road, Stoke Gifford.
By 5:30am several other reports had come in, with it now confirmed 23 vehicles were destroyed across Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.
More than half were minibuses from a charity that offers transport services for vulnerable adults and children.
The police say residents nearby may have heard some fuel tanks exploding, but there have been no reports of any injuries or of damage to buildings.
Detective Inspector Will Thorpe said: “We’re carrying out a thorough investigation into this series which has not only destroyed tens of thousands of pounds worth of vehicles but has left a charity unable to provide vital support to those in the local community.
“Officers have carried out a number of house to house enquiries already and have also gathered CCTV from the area which appears to be of significance.
“While we remain in the early stage of our inquiry, an initial review of the footage suggests two people were responsible for the attacks.
“A number of people have already contacted us with information following yesterday’s public appeal and we’re really grateful for the support.
“But we’re still keen to hear from local residents – particularly those in the Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford areas – who have CCTV, door camera or dash cam footage which captured two people together between 1am and 4.40am."
Officers are now carrying out house-to-house enquires in the area and are asking anyone with CCTV cameras to check their footage and contact them via 101 if they see anything suspicious.
Some of the cars are so damaged it is proving difficult to identify the owners, the police say.
DI Thorpe added: “Our specialist crime scene investigators continue to work closely with our colleagues in the fire service to examine the vehicles which were targeted while neighbourhood officers remain in the area carrying out reassurance patrols."