Early Morning Blaze Destroys Van in Sandown
An overnight fire in Sandown gutted a van in suspicious circumstances, shaking the quiet town before dawn on Sunday.
Firefighters Rush to Flaming Vehicle
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service raced to St John’s Road just before 1am after reports of a vehicle ablaze near the junction with Leed Street.
By the time crews arrived, the Ford Transit tipper van—used for rubbish collection and loaded with old mattresses—was fully engulfed in flames, sending heavy smoke billowing across the area.
Fire Tackled and Arson Probe Launched
- Firefighters from two stations battled the blaze with breathing apparatus and hose reels.
- Police were called in amid suspicions of foul play.
- Hampshire Constabulary have launched an arson investigation.
The van, which had been parked in the same spot for three weeks, has since been recovered as the inquiry continues.
