AN overnight fire which destroyed 35 vehicles on a business park near Wellington on Tuesday into Wednesday (October 24-25) was believed to have been the work of an arsonist.

Police have started an investigation into the blaze on the Foxmoor Business Park, which was first reported at about 9.45 pm on Tuesday night.

They have appealed for any witnesses or anybody with relevant information to step forward and help the inquiry.

Firefighters from Wellington, Taunton, Bridgwater, and Torquay were called to tackle the blaze, which took until Wednesday morning to put out.

It happened in a commercial compound on the business park, which is accessed via the link road between the M5 motorway junction 26 and the Chelston roundabout.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokeswoman told the Wellington Weekly: “The fire service believe the fire was started deliberately, and an investigation has been launched.

“If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious, or have any relevant footage, please contact 101 and quote reference 5223260369.”

At its height, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue had seven appliances and dozens of firefighters on scene tackling the blaze, including using an aerial ladder platform and about 35 litres of compressed air foam.

In August, seven Somerset Council minibuses were destroyed in an arson attack where they were parked in a locked compound on the Silk Mills park and ride site, in Taunton.

That incident started shortly after midnight and also saw fire crews from Wellington called to help Taunton colleagues tackle the blaze.

Later, police arrested a man in connection with the Silk Mills attack, who was subsequently released on bail while investigations continued.

The police spokeswoman told the Wellington Weekly today: “There is nothing to link the two at this time.

“The investigation is still ongoing.”

More information on this incident will be published as it becomes available.