A local councillor has spoken out after a number of vehicles were set on fire in South Gloucestershire yesterday (Sunday, April 3.) About 23 vehicles were deliberately set alight in Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke - including about 20 at a Rolls Royce site in Filton.
Bradley Stoke North councillor Angela Morey has slammed the spate of arson attacks, which police and fire are investigating, as a "cruel act," adding yesterday was a "low day for our happy area." It's believed some of the vehicles set alight at the Rolls Royce facility were minibuses used by schools and vulnerable members of the community.
"Such a low day for our happy area," Cllr Morey said on Twitter. "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. Call 101 with any information."
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Mayor and chair of Bradley Stoke Town Council, Tom Aditya, has slammed the thugs. He said it's believed the arsonists used e-scooters due to the timings between blazes.
He said: "We are looking at different possibilities because with the amount of cars that have been attacked and the distance they travelled, it is actually thought some kind of e-scooter could be involved."
Avon and Somerset Police received the first call at around 1.30am on Sunday 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, which first opened in 2020. One eyewitness said he was awoken to loud bangs and that the fire was controlled at around 5am on Sunday morning.
Residents may have heard some of the vehicles' fuel tanks exploding. Police have said there have been no reports of injuries or damage to buildings.
In a statement, the force said: "Officers are 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 and Rescue Service."
The extent of the damage is making it difficult to identify vehicles in order to notify the owners at this early stage of the investigation, it said. Police would 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 assist their enquiries.
Please call 101 and give the log number 124 of Sunday 3 April. Alternatively, give information 100 per cent anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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