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A van has been destroyed in a fire in the rear car park of the now-closed Guernsey Bowl, after an arson incident last night.
It is the second reported incident in recent months, despite the car park being blocked off by scaffolding poles restricting public access.
Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service was called to the car park shortly after 18:00 on Tuesday 13 March, after a member of the public raised the alarm by calling 999. White Watch attended, and they found the vehicle "well alight" with flames climbing into the sky, engulfing the van.
Two firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze using a hose-reel so they could bring the fire under control.
Crews blocked access to the car park at the bottom of Victoria Avenue, St Sampson, while the fire was put out. Fire fighters then spent time damping the area down to ensure it was safe, while Guernsey Police launched an immediate investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
Miles Plumley who lives nearby shared this video of the fire on social media.
The investigating officer, PC 157 Wesley, said Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service are treating the matter as arson, and anyone with information should call him on 725111 or email ryan.wesley@guernsey.pnn.police.uk or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Picture above and top, and video link, from Miles Plumley
The MFA Bowl closed in 2017, with no notice given to staff or customers. When staff turned up for work on 31 August they were told it was shut and were escorted on to the premises to collect their belongings before having to leave.
Prior to the sudden closure, the facility had faced public criticism over a lack of working bowling lanes, and the quality of the food served in the bar and cafe areas.
The car park was already home to a number of abandoned vehicles before the Bowl closed, with previous reports of vehicle fires in the rear of the site. Currently there are five damaged vehicles in the rear car park, with at least two visibly damaged by fire. The area has been cordoned off by scaffolding for some time.
Part of the MFA Bowl building is used as residential flats with a number occupied currently. The whole facility remains for sale.
Pictured above: The Guernsey Bowl front doors, the rear car park and the latest burnt out vehicle
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