Fire that damaged allotments thought to be arson

A fire which swept through a town's allotments is thought to have been started deliberately.

Residents had to leave their homes for several hours after flames were spotted on Bradford Road in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, at about 21:02 BST on Sunday. The fire spread through wooden sheds and people were urged to avoid the area while crews from four fire stations were called to the scene.

Stewart Palmén, a councillor for Trowbridge Central, paid tribute to the fire service and wrote on Facebook that "it is believed" the fire was arson. He added: "Police are working hard to identify and prosecute the arsonist."

Wiltshire Police said the fire was "potentially started deliberately" and is investigating.

A spokesperson from the force added: "Nearby homes were evacuated while fire crews attended.

"The fire is thought to have been potentially started deliberately and we are investigating the circumstances. There have been no arrests."

Trowbridge Town Council said it is aware of the fire and has asked anyone who "witnessed anything suspicious" to contact police.

Crews from Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham and Warminster were sent to the scene of the fire.

A fire service spokesperson said flames had spread to multiple sheds, allotments, hedgerows and an adjacent field.

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