Police say arson attack on Melton caravan site was a hate crime
Officers say the incident, at a campsite which has been occupied by travellers, was an act of arson.
Fire service investigators earlier said they believed it was started deliberately.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTwo crews of firefighters from Melton and one from Oakham were deployed to the incident, on Sandy Lane, at 9.20pm and they spent five hours tackling the fire.
A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said yesterday (Wednesday): “The incident at Sandy Lane is being treated as arson and it has been categorised as a hate crime.”
Police were alerted to the incident by the fire service at 9.34pm.
Melton fire station watch manager Simon Lee said no-one was on the site at the time and no other property was damaged.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe told the Melton Times: “When we arrived the site was well ablaze.
“There were six caravans which were destroyed by fire.
“We had an issue with no water at the site so we sent out for a big water carrier from the Loughborough fire station.”
Mr Lee said the caravan site appeared to be a permanent residential arrangement but that it appeared that it had not been occupied for a while.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said yesterday: “Investigations are continuing but it is believed it was started deliberately.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnyone who saw anything in the area at the time of the blaze or who has information relating to it is asked to call 9719 Ian McGrath, of Leicestershire Police, on 101 quoting the reference number 19*138765.