Police are investigating an incident in east Devon where two cars were deliberately set alight, prompting the response of bomb disposal experts. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service dispatched a crew from Middlemoor to a residence on Great Meadow in Cranbrook at 04:40 GMT. Upon arrival, they discovered two cars engulfed in flames, as the homeowner attempted to extinguish the fire using a garden hose.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the discovery of the burning vehicles and the subsequent intervention of the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel. The EOD team successfully rendered safe a device found near one of the vehicles. Concerned for public safety, the police evacuated several nearby properties as a precautionary measure.
A police statement indicated that emergency services were alerted to the presence of a suspected ordnance at the scene. Royal Navy EOD specialists were summoned to conduct a thorough examination and secure the area. Following the successful neutralization of the hazardous device, the situation was handed over to the police for further investigation, with support from the Ministry of Defence.
A safety cordon was established, and residents were temporarily relocated while authorities worked to secure the area and ensure the safety of the community. By 11:00, residents were allowed to return to their homes after the authorities had confirmed the absence of immediate danger. Despite the controlled resolution of the situation, law enforcement officials emphasized that the cause of the fire was deliberate and vowed to pursue a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A key development in the investigation revealed that an individual had been apprehended on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The police incident manager assured the public that there were no outstanding suspects being sought in connection with the incident. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the motives behind the intentional act of setting the cars ablaze.
Authorities urged anyone with pertinent information regarding the incident to step forward and assist in the investigation. Public cooperation and collaboration were emphasized as essential components in uncovering the truth behind the alarming incident. To stay informed about updates on this case and other news stories, individuals were encouraged to follow BBC Devon on various social media platforms and share any relevant leads.
For further updates and official information, individuals were directed to the respective websites of Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. The collaborative efforts of emergency responders, bomb disposal experts, and law enforcement agencies underscored the importance of swift and decisive action in ensuring public safety and addressing potentially dangerous situations.
