Fire destroys 140 cars at site used by Gatwick passengers

Holidaymakers using Gatwick Airport are facing misery at the end of their travels after a fire at a car park used by people flying from the hub destroyed 140 vehicles.

The blaze at Caldyne Business Park near Crawley broke out just after 21:00 BST on Saturday, and images from the site show huge flames and massive plumes of smoke above rows of stationary cars.

A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson, and has been bailed pending further inquiries, Sussex Police said.

A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport, which does not own the site, said it "understands how concerning and distressing this will be" for passengers, and urged those affected to contact police.

The airport added that the site "is not endorsed or operated by London Gatwick".

More than 2,000 homes were also left without power on Saturday due to the blaze, but electricity has since been restored to those affected.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service advised people whose vehicles were damaged by the blaze to contact their parking operator directly.

A brigade spokesperson said crews remained at the scene on Monday to damp down hotspots.

They added there were no casualties.

A total of eight fire engines and water carriers attended at the height of the blaze.

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