Video: City Centre Car Fires Wake Residents In Early Hours

Friday, 12 June 2026 10:40

Emergency services responded to car fires on Middleton Road in Salisbury during the early hours of this morning (12th June).

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to a call of a vehicle on fire just before 4 am this morning and discovered two vehicles were involved.

One of the fires was at the Emtec end of the road, with the other near Summerlock Motors at the opposite end of Middleton Road.

A local resident said, "[It] was at 3.40 am we heard 3 loud bangs and looked outside and saw this. Then the fire brigade arrived minutes later, and the police."

Photos and videos taken by local resident Zoe Turley show the quick response of emergency services in dealing with the fire.

Video: Zoe Turley

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said, "We were called at 3:47 am today with reports of a vehicle fire on Middleton Road, Salisbury. One crew from Salisbury attended and on arrival found two vehicles involved in a fire along with some refuse bins situated near the vehicles.

"Four breathing apparatus wearers used three hose reel jets and small tools to extinguish the fire.

In addition, relating to the second car fire at the other end of Middleton Road, "A further crew from Salisbury attended, and two firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using reel jets and small tools. Two other cars in close proximity suffered heat damage. These incidents were left with the police."

Image: Zoe Turley

Wiltshire Police said in a statement, "Enquiries are ongoing into a suspected arson incident in Salisbury in the early hours of this morning (12/6).

"Four cars were destroyed during the incident in Middleton Road.

"Our initial enquiries indicate that two Mini Coopers located approximately 200 yards apart on the forecourt of industrial premises were set alight.

"Each fire subsequently spread to neighbouring vehicles, resulting in all four vehicles sustaining extensive damage.

"Fortunately, the fire did not spread to any nearby buildings, and there were no reported injuries."

Insp Chris Wickham said: “The fires were reported to us at approximately 3.45 am this morning – several residents were awoken by the fires and attendance of emergency vehicles, which understandably caused concern within the community.

“Enquiries to identify any potential suspects are ongoing, and we are engaging with local businesses and residents to establish any security systems, CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote log number 29 of June 12.

Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.