A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson after three cars were set on fire at the weekend.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Crewkerne where three vehicles had gone up in flames and the fire spread to nearby fence panels.

A fire engine from Crewkerne Station was called to the incident in Gouldsbrook View, North Street, at shortly before 2am on Saturday (September 12).

A spokesman for the fire service said: "On arrival, crews confirmed this to be three vehicles, well alight.

"Crews extinguished the three vehicles and approximately 18 feet of fence panels by using two breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera.

"One vehicle sustained 95% fire damage, a second vehicle was 25% damaged, and the third vehicle was 75% fire damaged.

"The cause of the fire was deliberate. Police were also informed. Duty of care left with the owners."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said a man had been arrested following the incident.

They added: "We're investigating a report of criminal damage in Crewkerne in the early hours of Saturday, September 12.

"The fire service contacted police with regards an incident it was dealing with in the North Street area.

"A car was reportedly set alight, with flames spreading to a number of other vehicles that also sustained damage.

"The incident happened at about 1.45am.

"A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson. He had been released under investigation.

"Enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, continue."

Anyone who witnessed what happened should report it online or call 101 and give the reference 5220207034.