COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

There have been more car fires in Coventry overnight, after an initial spree earlier this month.

Last night, arsonists set fire to a car on Sewall Highway in Coventry.

Firefighters were called at about 1:30am and spent an hour putting out the fire.

The car was completely destroyed.

Firefighters said that the car's owner was particularly distressed as he had left important work items in the vehicle.

Arsonists also set fire to a van parked in a garage in Sampson Close, in the Bell Green area of Coventry, early this morning.

Fire crews were called out at 6:15am to tackle the blaze, but the van was completely destroyed.

The garage was also badly damaged.

Firemen worked for an hour and a half to put out the blaze.

The fires come before the firemen's strike that is due to take place at noon today and last for four hours.

Firemen are walking out in opposition to plans to increase their retirement age to 60.

Union chiefs and firefighters claim the plans will put the public at risk - and that older workers face losing their job if they fail fitness tests.

Arsonists torch car and torment firefighters called to extinguish blaze



Arsonists torched a car at the back of a Coventry industrial estate and tormented firefighters who came to extinguish the blaze.

Fire crews were called out to Eden Street, Paradise, at 11pm on Monday to reports that a parked Ford Fiesta had been set on fire.

When they arrived they were accosted by a group of youths who prevented them putting the fire out.

Police were called to tackle the youths who soon left the area.

The car was totally destroyed in the blaze though and spread to a nearby hedge that seperates the road from nearby allotments.

Residents living in the area reported hearing a loud explosion - but police said that was likely to have been car’s petrol tank exploding.

Police are investigating the incident which is being classified as an arson.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Coventry Police on 101.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to speak to a police office call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.