A vehicle was set on fire while parked on a North Yorkshire auctioneer’s forecourt.

The incident happened at the TV-famous Matthewsons in Thornton-le-Dale at around 1.40am on Tuesday, July 26.

Police say the fire was started deliberately after an accelerant was thrown.

One vehicle was damaged but fortunately the fire did not spread to other cars, nor the garage itself and nearby buildings where people were asleep inside.

Officers are already exploring numerous lines of enquiry and believe the offender may have sustained burn injuries to their arms, but this is not confirmed.

Read more: Police concerned for the welfare of missing 15-year-old girl as search continues

PC Alan Robson, who is investigating the incident, said: “Thornton-le-Dale is a quiet, peaceful Ryedale village and the Matthewson family are very keen to establish who was responsible.

“We already have several strong lines of enquiry and we are now requesting the public’s assistance to track down those responsible.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email alan.robson@northyorkshire.police.uk You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Alan Robson.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220130660.

The garage appears in episodes of Bangers and Cash.

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