Dozens of vehicles damaged in series of suspected arson attacks across north Bristol

Dozens of cars were damaged in fires during a spate of suspected arson attacks in the north of Bristol in the early hours of this morning.

Residents shared images of the fires lighting the sky on social media, while others are thought to have heard the vehicle fuel tanks exploding.

The spate of incidents started when police and fire crews were called to a vehicle fire in New Road in Stoke Gifford at 1.30am.

At 5.30am, Avon and Somerset Police said there were further reports with up to 20 vehicles on fire across Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford.

At 3.45am, vehicles were also reported to be on fire at the car park at Rolls Royce in Filton, with around 20 damaged, the force said.

A police spokesperson said the force was investigating the series of fires, adding there had been no reports of injuries or damage to buildings.

A statement read: “We’re 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 & Rescue Service.

“At this early stage the damage is making it difficult to identify vehicles in order to notify the owners. We’d 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 help our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and give the call handler the reference number Log 124 of Sunday 3 April, or complete an online appeals form.