Arson attacks on Hayling

- Tue 13th Jun 2006

These dramatic photos show the scene at Winsor close last night after parked cars were set ablaze in an apparent act of deliberate arson.

The fire was started at around eleven thirty when lit cardboard was apparently placed beneath a parked car in the, once quiet, East Hayling Cul-de-Sac.  The fire quickly took hold and spread to neighbouring parked vehicles before the arrival of the Hayling fire service.

Local residents, who shortly before had been asleep just feet away from the blaze, were terrified of a possible explosion, as it seemed that the whole row of six parked cars may go up in flames.

This horrific incident comes after weeks of problems in the Winsor close area.  One resident told us of repeated reports to the police of escalating crime surrounding a few individual residents of the area.  With this localised crime wave apparently reaching levels usually unheard of on Hayling, residents are understandably fearful of their personal safety.

The Farm Stores on Sandy point road, not far from Winsor close, was also set-ablaze later that same evening.  It is not yet confirmed whether the two apparently deliberate incidents are related.

The arson attack comes just two weeks after an emergency meeting was held to highlight the sudden increase in crime on the Hayling and concerns over policing levels on the Island.  

This incident is also being discussed in our forum

Photos copyright M Anthony 2006.  All rights reserved.

By forum user, Mat