Arson confirmed at Thatcham Railway Station

British Transport Police is investigating Sunday morning's fire which destroyed two cars

BRITISH Transport Police have confirmed that a car fire in Thatcham in the early hours of Sunday morning (8) was an arson attack.

The transport police received the report of the fire at Thatcham Railway Station at 1.48am and attended the scene (pictured) alongside Thames Valley Police officers.

Red Watch crew members from Newbury fire station also attended to tackle the blaze which started in an Audi estate car and spread to the car next to it, an Audi TT.

Red watch crew manager, Bob Mitchell, said that both cars would probably be written off and added: “It happened after the last train, there was no-one around - the cars may have been left there over the weekend."

He said that there was only one other car in the car park, which was unaffected by the fire.

Firefighters took about 40 minutes to extinguish the fire.

BTP Sergeant Dominique Ioannou said yesterday (Monday): “At this time we believe that this was a completely random act of arson, however a full investigation is currently being conducted.

“We are treating this incident extremely seriously as along with the damage, cost, inconvenience and great effect this has had on the owners of the vehicles, fires of this extent can be extremely dangerous and endanger lives.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have information to come forward.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure members of the public who use Thatcham station that this is an unprecedented incident and we would appeal for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact police.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident number 47.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.