Bomb disposal unit sent to scene of two car fires

Police are investigating after two cars were set alight in east Devon in an incident which saw bomb disposal experts attend.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent a crew from Middlemoor to a house in Great Meadow in Cranbrook at 04:40 GMT.

Devon and Cornwall Police said two cars were found on fire which the homeowner had tried to put out using a garden hose.

Royal Navy EOD [explosive ordnance disposal] personnel were also called and made a device "safe" near the one of the vehicles.

Police said: "Emergency services attended the scene where it was reported that a suspected ordnance was located.

"Royal Navy EOD teams attended to assist with enquiries at the scene and made the item safe."

The EOD said one device was "rendered safe" near the one of the vehicles which was on fire.

The incident was later handed over to police, the Ministry of Defence said.

Police said they put a cordon in place and evacuated a number of nearby properties before residents were allowed to return home at about 11:00.

Officers added: "The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate and will be investigated."

Anyone with any information about the incident has been asked by police to come forward.

A person had since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, said the force incident manager.

They added: "Police are not looking for any further subjects. The investigation is ongoing in relation to this incident."

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