Car explodes into fireball in latest incident (From Dorset Echo)

Car explodes into fireball in latest incident

12:30pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after arsonists torched a car in Weymouth.

The attack in Littlemoor is the latest in a spate of vandalism in the area, with four other arsons in December.

Firefighters were called to Alamanda Road, near Bincombe Valley Primary School, at around 11pm on Tuesday.

Witnesses described seeing the inferno in the turning circle at the bottom of the road and said the car was a ‘fireball’ that exploded three times.

A Dahlia Close resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard a noise out the back and thought someone was in the garden.

“When I looked out I saw the car on fire.

“It looked like a fireball and it exploded three times.

“There was a lot of smoke, it was really bad.

“It’s quite unusual in this area. I’ve been here a few years and nothing like this has happened before.”

Another neighbouring resident said the car, a blue Vauxhall Zafira, was completely engulfed.

He said: “I heard a bang and when I looked out the fire brigade were already there.

“It was completely on fire – the car was totally engulfed.

“I’ve lived here eight and a half years and it’s normally pretty good round here.”

A Dorset Fire and Rescue spokesman said the cause of the fire was deliberate.

Two people have been arrested by police in connection with the incident. The attack comes after a spate of vandalism in recent months, including one incident when a vehicle belonging to a 73-year-old cancer patient was destroyed when arsonists set fire to it where it was parked in the Finches on December 9.

Dorset Police arrested a 13-year-old in connection with the incident.

There were two fires, believed to have been deliberately started, on Saturday, December 15.

Firefighters were called to a bin fire in Beverley Road at 7pm and a vehicle fire in Louviers Road at 10pm. The blazes are thought to be deliberate.

On Sunday, December 2 a lit piece of paper was put through the letterbox of a house in Louviers Road.

In September, a car and a caravan were destroyed after being deliberately set alight in Geelong Close.

Borough councillor for Littlemoor Mark Tewksbury said the situation in Littlemoor is getting worse.

He said: “It does seem to be on the increase.

“I was quite surprised to hear about this incident.

“We need to put a stop to this and work with the police, hopefully they can get to the bottom of it.

“I was shocked that it happened there. It’s a well-lit open area.

“People need to work with the police and if anyone saw anything or knows anything please report it.”

POLICE ISSUE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES

Dorset Police have arrested two Weymouth men, a 19-year old and 30-year-old, in connection with the arson and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Inspector Les Fry, of Weymouth Police, said: “We’re appealing for witnesses who can help us with our enquiries.

“This was an isolated crime and not related to the other arsons in Weymouth that we are aware of.

“We will investigate thoroughly and deal appropriately with the offenders.

“Weymouth is a very safe place and we will continue to ensure it is a safe place so residents feel safe.”

Anyone with information can call Dorset Police on 101.