UPDATE: van fire being treated as accidental

The blaze broke out in Elder Place this lunchtime


A fire which destroyed a van and damaged two cars when it broke out at 12:35pm today near London Road is likely to accidental, according Preston Park Fire Crew.

The blaze was put out in about five minutes with fire extinguishers, but smoke had already damaged a nearby top-floor flat and a bicycle.

Although there was a gas canister in the van, fire crews have confirmed that the highly flammable object never caught alight, and has now been safely removed.

The owner of the van, who arrived at the scene, has given keys to the van to police for further investigation.

More as we get it.