MEMBERS of the public are being asked to call police if they know who was responsible for a suspected arson attack.

Four fire engines tackled a blaze in Northwich last night involving a large quantity of refuse and a catering vehicle, which was damaged in the incident.

Fire crews were called out to Orchard Street at 6.46pm to tackle the blaze, which is believed may have been started deliberately.

Cheshire Police also attended the incident, and CCTV footage is being studied by officers for clues as to how the fire started and who may have been responsible.

A Cheshire Fire Service spokeswoman described the catering vehicle as a burger-type van, which she said had not been used for a few years.

“It is believed the fire started in rubbish near the van, which included an old settee and bits of floor tiles,” she said.

“That quickly spread to an empty plastic drum which had contained diesel, which spread in turn to the van.”

She said smoke from the fire could be seen from Northwich Fire Station, and police are looking at CCTV footage of the incident from premises nearby.

A resident from Orchard Street said the catering vehicle was in a compound at the end of the street, and he believed it was owned by a brother and sister.

“People were coming out and saying there was a fire, and there was thick black smoke rising about 40 feet in the air,” said the man, who did not wish to be named.

“The fire brigade came down Orchard Street and went into the compound. They put the fire out in about half an hour, and the burger vehicle was damaged.”

If anyone has information which could help police to identity those who were responsible for the fire they are asked to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.

The blaze was attended by two fire engines from Northwich and engines from Winsford and Stockton Heath.

The fire started near a number of LPG cylinders, and firefighters sprayed water onto them to keep them cool.