A second man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a significant fire that destroyed around 140 vehicles at a car park near Gatwick Airport. The blaze occurred at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex.
Police and fire crews were initially called to the scene at approximately 8:56 p.m. on Saturday. The fire involved a car park understood to be primarily used by travelers heading to Gatwick Airport, though it is not operated by the airport itself. Eight fire engines and two water carriers were deployed to tackle the inferno overnight. The fire caused thick smoke to billow from the site and led to the closure of nearby roads. High-voltage equipment near the car park was damaged, resulting in a power outage affecting over 2,000 homes and businesses in the vicinity.
A 67-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, August 22, on suspicion of arson. A second man, aged 29, was arrested on the same charge on Monday, August 24. Both individuals have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area while firefighters worked to extinguish remaining hotspots. There were no reported casualties as a result of the fire. Motorists whose vehicles may have been affected have been instructed to contact their car park operator directly. A spokesperson for London Gatwick confirmed awareness of the fire at the unaffiliated third-party site and advised concerned passengers to contact the police on 101. The airport clarified that the parking company is neither endorsed nor operated by London Gatwick.
Sussex Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding the incident to report it online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1504 of August 22.