Motorbike completely destroyed by 'suspicious' night fire

Ilminster fire crews at the scene of an incident for illustrative purposes only. <i>(Image: Molly Kirk)</i>
Ilminster fire crews at the scene of an incident for illustrative purposes only. (Image: Molly Kirk)
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A MOTORBIKE was completely destroyed by a blaze between Taunton and Ilminster that was started in suspicious circumstances.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a call at around 7.40pm last night (June 29) reporting a motorbike which was believed to have been abandoned and set on fire at a layby on Bickenhall Road, Bickenhall, between Ilminster and Taunton.

A crew from Ilminster fire station was mobilised following the call, and upon their arrival, the firefighters confirmed the vehicle was 'well alight'.

According to a spokesperson for the fire service, firefighters at the scene 'soon had it under control' and 'quickly extinguished' the blaze.

They achieved this by using a small amount of air foam, water, and a hose reel jet, the spokesperson confirmed.

The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, but the fire service confirmed the circumstances were 'suspicious' and the fire completely destroyed the motorbike.

The spokesperson said: "The incident was reported to the police due to the suspicious circumstances, but the fire destroyed the vehicle and any identifying features.

"The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed."

The incident was closed by 1am this morning (June 30) and fire crews left the scene promptly after extinguishing the flames.

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