The fire has destroyed her van and damaged much of her bakery business equipment
A Coventry woman returned home from watching the Euro 2020 final on Sunday to find that her work van had been petrol bombed.
Alisia Treacy was walking down St Luke's Road, Coventry, to her home when a neighbour shouted to her that there was a fire brigade outside her house.
She ran around the corner into Hen Lane to see her work van on fire.
West Midlands Police are investigating and are treating the incident as arson.
Miss Treacy, who runs bakery business Ali’s Treats said: "I just remember running over [feeling] really emotional and hurt shouting that all my business equipment was in the back of my van.
"The amazing fire team dragged everything out but all my equipment is smoke damaged, so most of it is going to have to be replaced.
"Somebody could have been killed and I’m so lucky the fire brigade got there when they did because I’d have lost my car too, which is also badly damaged on its side.
"Police think it may have been to do with football as it had happened directly after.
"I’m gutted and heartbroken to say the least."
She posted an appeal for information on
Facebook, which has been shared more than 1,000 times.
One of her customer's Amy Browning has also set up a
GoFundMe to help her buy some new equipment.
Miss Treacy added: "I cannot thank anyone enough for all the help.
"I am so overwhelmed by everyone including family who have donated as well as complete strangers. But now it’s time to dust myself off and restart."
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "The fire service established that the vehicle had been set alight on purpose. It’s understood that petrol was poured over the windscreen.
"A second car was damaged by the heat of the blaze."
"We’re treating the matter as arson."
Anyone with any information is urged to call 101.
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2021 4:24 pm