Arson

Police in Runcorn are investigating what was described as a “deliberate” fire attack on a haulage firm on Monday night (10 April), which left five HGVs written off.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service (CF&R) said it sent out two fire engines from Runcorn and one from Widnes to the premises in Aragon Court at about 1.11am after receiving reports of a vehicle fire.

A CF&R spokesperson said: “Crews were called to reports of a large fire involving four heavy goods vehicles at a commercial property on the industrial estate. The vehicles contained recycled white goods and appliances.

“Firefighters used two main jets, two hose reel jets and three sets of breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”

Phil Robinson, director at Jem Recycling and Waste Management, confirmed to motortransport.co.uk that its premises had been targeted and that five vehicles in total were destroyed.

He also said it had CCTV footage, which had been passed to the police.

“It’s been very, very disruptive,” he said. “But we were back up and running with hire vehicles at 12pm the following day and then we will be back to normal tomorrow with all our outstanding work.

“We pride ourselves on our service and I hate letting people down,” Robinson added. “So we bit the bullet and got in the hire trucks.

“But we will replace all the vehicles in time.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire police said: “Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with any information which may aid their investigation.”