A second man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after 140 vehicles were destroyed in a fire nearby Gatwick Airport.
Police and fire brigades were called to the ‘significant and complex’ fire at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, near Crawley, West Sussex, at 8.56pm on Saturday.
It is understood that the car park is mainly used for travelers going to Gatwick, although the airport does not operate it.
Billowing thick clouds of smoke could be seen billowing from the site as flames tore through dozens of cars.
More than 2,000 homes lost power after the fire damaged high-voltage equipment near the parking lot.
Eight fire engines and two water carriers worked overnight to control the inferno. Nearby roads were also closed at the time.
The public has been told to avoid the area as firefighters remained there to ‘dampen hot spots’.
There were no casualties from the fire and affected motorists were advised to contact their operator directly.
On Saturday, a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson, while on Monday a second man, 29, was arrested on the same charge. Both have been released on bail.
Firefighters battled a major fire near Gatwick Airport on Saturday evening. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson
On Saturday, a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson, while on Monday a second man, 29, was arrested on the same charge. Both have been released on bail
Around 100 cars are believed to have been set on fire in the blaze at a car park mainly used for travelers heading to Gatwick.
The aftermath shows the burned out shells of cars
A spokesperson for London Gatwick previously said: ‘We are aware of a fire in an unaffiliated third party car park which occurred on Saturday evening and understand how concerning and distressing this will be for all passengers whose vehicles may have been affected.
‘We advise any passengers concerned that their vehicle may have been affected to call police on 101.
‘The parking company is not endorsed or managed by London Gatwick.’
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: ‘Police and fire colleagues responded to a large fire in Caldyne Business Park, Rowfant, just after 9pm on Saturday, August 22.
‘Power was cut to the immediate area, affecting a number of businesses and homes, and nearby roads were closed as a precaution.
‘A number of cars have been damaged on a site used as a holiday car park. All affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.
‘On August 22, a 67-year-old man was arrested and on August 24 a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.
“They have now been released on bail pending further investigation.”
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting 1504 of 22/08.
