An Island businessman has thanked kind Islanders who have stepped forward to offer help and support, after one of his company's vans was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
As previously reported, firefighters were called to York Avenue in East Cowes last night (Tuesday), to reports of a van well alight - which then spread to another.
A van, owned by Islandwide Carpet Warehouse, has been severely damaged, in what police and the fire service are saying could be possible arson.
Following the incident, John Keyworth who owns the company, said he had been inundated with calls from Islanders offering to loan him a van to complete deliveries before - and after - Christmas.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, John, said:
"We've been contacted by a few people - including several who I don't even know - all offering to loan us a van to get us through the Christmas period.
"It just restores your faith in human nature, that people would step forward and be that generous and kind to try to help another Island business."
John, who won an Isle of Wight Radio Best in Business Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, added:
"From 7am this morning, I've been speaking to insurance companies and trying to work out everything we've lost, because it isn't just the van. It's tools and other bits that we've built up over the years. It's going to take us a while to get on top of things.
"Whoever started the fire needs serious help if they find enjoyment from destroying someone else's property - and I just hope they get it."
(Picture: The aftermath of the fire in East Cowes)
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said:
"Fire crews from Newport and Ryde were sent to York Avenue, East Cowes, last night following a fire involving two vans.
"One van was well alight when firefighters arrived at just after 6.30pm, with the fire spreading to the second vehicle.
"Police were informed, as it’s believed the fire may have been started deliberately."
A police spokesperson said:
"We were called at 6.24pm yesterday by the fire service to York Avenue, East Cowes, where two vans were alight.
"We are currently investigating the cause of the fire and anyone with information can report it to us by quoting 44220511576."
Island Roads Gives Thanks To Local Community As Road Improvement Programme Completed
Bids Invited From Local Organisations For Adult Community Learning Grants
Waste And Recycling Collection Information For Spring Bank Holiday
Karl Love "Delighted And Humbled" To Be Elected Isle of Wight Council Chairman
Newport Telegraph Pole Crash Update After Emergency Services Called Out
Rishi Sunak To Call General Election For July 4, Sky News Understands
Appeal For Islanders To Get Involved In Combatting Local Crime
Isle Of Wight Chief Constable Reacts As Police Document Reveals 'Fewer Arrests' Proposal
'Alien' Threat To Isle Of Wight Highlighted For Invasive Species Week
Green Light For Royal Navy Parachute Display Team To Join Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
More Than 99% Of Island Voters Had Valid Photo-ID At Polling Stations
Cowes Charities Join Forces To Save Lives At Sea
Isle Of Wight Residents Offered Funded Support To Tackle Climate Change
Hovertravel Offering Half Price Travel For D-Day 80
Totland To Colwell Seawall Footpath Partially Reopened
New Island Line Timetable From This Weekend
Young Enterprise Glory For Carisbrooke And Medina College Team
Pharmacy Opening Times For The Late May Bank Holiday Weekend
Time Running Out To Share Your Views On Future Transport Needs For Isle Of Wight
Wightlink Wizards Star Morgan Williams To Become First Island Born Wightlink Warriors Rider
