Appeal following two incidents of vehicles on fire in Newton-le-Willows

We are appealing for information following two separate reports of vehicles on fire in the same road in Newton-le-Willows yesterday evening, Sunday 22 June.

The first fire was reported just before 11pm where a Ford Transit van was on fire on Earle Street.

Then a second report was received at 11.55pm that a black Audi was on fire on same street.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service extinguished both fires and no injuries were reported.

A joint investigation by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police is underway to establish the cause of the fire for both incidents.

CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out and anyone with any information is asked to contact police. 

Detective Inspector James Rotheram said: “We are in the very early stages of the investigation and still establishing how both vehicles caught fire and if they are connected.

“Both incidents took place on a residential area I would appeal if any neighbours who saw something suspicious to please contact us as this information could be vital to our inquiries.

“I would also ask residents to please check your CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage which may be captured how the fire was started.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101 quoting 25000512797 for the Ford Transit van and 25000512874 for the Black Audi.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously In an emergency always call 999.