Arson theory on three fires
Thousands of pounds of damage has been caused after three separate sites around Oswestry went up in flames today. Thousands of pounds of damage has been caused after three separate sites around Oswestry went up in flames today. Arson is suspected in each case, although police said it was too early to say if the incidents were linked. In the first incident, Oswestry fire crews were called to Pant Auto Bodies, Canal Side, Llanymynech, at 4.10am. Appliances from Oswestry, Baschurch, Shrewsbury, Welshpool were called to tackle the second fire at Cross Roads Farm, Main Road, Llynclys at 5.20am. At 6.15am, a crew from Oswestry was called to another barn fire, in Nant Lane, Morda. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
Arson is suspected in each case, although police said it was too early to say if the incidents were linked. In the first incident, Oswestry fire crews were called to Pant Auto Bodies, Canal Side, Llanymynech, at 4.10am.
At least 10 cars were damaged in the blaze and firefighters were still dampening down the scene this morning.
A Shropshire Fire Service spokesman said: "Six saloon vehicles were severely damaged and four vehicles were damaged by radiated heat."
Appliances from Oswestry, Baschurch, Shrewsbury, Welshpool were called to tackle the second fire at Cross Roads Farm, Main Road, Llynclys at 5.20am. The fire, inside a five-bay barn, destroyed 10 tonnes of straw and two farm vehicles.
Firefighter Mike Wilkinson said crews managed to contain the fire from spreading to the 15 tonnes of ammonia nitrate, which would have given off toxic gases.
He said: "We managed to stop the fire spreading to the ammonia nitrate which would have caused us more problems. The fire was under control at 8.45am."
Farm owners Richard and Lynda Jones said there was no explanation to the fire other than arson.
Mr Jones said: "A glow from outside lit up our bedroom. When I looked out I saw the barn was on fire. Luckily a passing patrol had already called the fire service and firefighters arrived pretty much straight away."
At 6.15am, a crew from Oswestry was called to another barn fire, in Nant Lane, Morda.
Hay and several farm machines were destroyed in the fire in a six-bay barn.
A joint investigation involving Shropshire Fire Service and West Mercia Police is now being carried out to establish the cause of the fires.
Firefighter Wilkinson said the fires were being investigated as suspected arson attacks. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08457 444888.
By Antonia Merola