Police have confirmed they are investigating after fire crews were called out to a suspected arson near Oswestry.

Fire crews from Oswestry were called out just midnight on Wednesday, July 24, after reports of a Ford Transit van being on fire on Cornwall Avenue in Gobowen.

According to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, one fire appliance was sent to tackle the incident and firefighters had to used breathing apparatus (BA), two hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera to tackle the fire.

(Image: Oswestry Fire Station)

A spokesperson for Oswestry Fire Station said: “Upon arrival, crews found a transit van fully involved in fire.

"Firefighters used two hose reel jets and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the blaze. A thermal imaging camera used to check for hotspots.

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“The police were on scene conducting thorough investigations and obtaining CCTV footage from the household and nearby properties.

"The incident is being treated as arson, with perpetrators seen running away from the scene.

“This was a good stop by Oswestry firefighters, the fire was extinguished quickly, preventing potential escalation to a nearby house which was occupied by two adults and one child. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported.

“This was a commendable response from Oswestry firefighters, effectively preventing a more serious incident.”

West Mercia Police have said they are investigating incident and are treating it as suspected arson. 

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a call just after midnight this morning (24 July) with a report of a van on fire on Cornwall Avenue in Gobowen in Shropshire. 

"Officers attended the incident and it is being treated as arson.

"An investigation is now on going."