News

Arson suspected after car fire in West Reading

January 13, 2013

Arsonists are suspected of causing a car fire in West Reading last night.

A crew from Dee Road fire station was called to Portman Square, Portman Road, shortly before midnight where a BMW 3 Series convertible was ablaze.

One firefighter using breathing apparatus and hose reel extinguished the flames.

The crew spent half an hour at the scene and police also attended.

Crew manager Graham Chandler said: "The car was ruined. As it was a convertible the fire had taken the roof off quite quickly and all the inside had gone and it had cracked under the engine.

"There was nobody with it and the fire appeared to have started around the dashboard and not under the engine which is why we suspect it may have been arson."

Anyone with information can call Thames Valle Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Most recent user comments 7 of 7

Portman Square will be on a par with Dee Road. So close to the red light district, what were the builders and architects thinking.

getoverit, Reading
15/01/2013 at 12:10

On the bright side, at least it was a BMW. Good news.

Hugh J, Reading
14/01/2013 at 11:17

and of course, the actual location is safe and secure for the arsonist.

Good grief

Crane God
13/01/2013 at 18:57

"As far as I Know" is the correct qualification for your statement that parked cars don't spontaneously combust. Batteries, capacitors and atmospheric catalysts from water vapour to storms can cause sparks or persistent heating until.....whumph !

It's true, however, that the vast majority of car fires are the result of impacts and arson... in ascending order.

C8H10N4O2
13/01/2013 at 17:57

A great quote from Trumpton!! As far as I Know parked cars don't spontaniously combust so here's a clue for future suspicious car fires.. arson? - most probable, motive? either personal retribution or insurance motivated.

It's Questionable...
13/01/2013 at 17:28

@David, As a regular and long standing contributor here; you must realize that this board is not an invitation for educational or knowledgeable discussion. It may only be populated by right-wing UKIP voters, or left wing apologists [includes spokespersons of accused/defendants/charged]. Or exiles who have no connection locally.

reynard, calcot
13/01/2013 at 15:50

I may be mis-understanding this but in my extensive motor vehicle experience, I have found accidental fires most often occur in highly electrified area - such as around the battery or around/under the dashboard. The only fires I have experienced which started "under the engine" have been started deliberately. Most often deliberate fires are started in/on the front seats. Other causes have been; faulty carburetor and over heated brakes.

Perhaps the person meant to say "under the bonnet" instead of "under the engine" ? BIG difference.