Bonfire Night fears - Firework attack on 4x4 triggered frightening blaze and explosions

By Rory Poulter

5th Nov 2021 | Local News

Horrific video footage has emerged of a firework attack on a 4x4 car which triggered explosions and left the vehicle a twisted metal wreck.

The attack has raised fears that vandals armed with fireworks are touring the local streets looking for vehicles to target.

The move comes amid mounting concerns about anti-social behaviour linked to fireworks in parks and streets across the Richmond and Twickenham area since last weekend.

For example, people complained of having to run for cover around Twickenham Green after fireworks were apparently aimed at them. And there are fears of similar attacks over the next three days.

In the latest incident the London Fire Brigade attended the blaze on Rosslyn Road, east Twickenham, at just before midnight on Wednesday.

Passer-by Liam Hennessey, who witnessed and videoed the blaze, reported: "Two guys filled it full of fireworks and set it alight."

Residents on Nextdoor reacted with dismay saying: "How horrific!!! What is wrong with people!!!?!?"

Other locals described the event, which they could see in nearly its entirety via a video on nextdoor, as 'awful' and 'absolutely mindless'.

The acrid smoke filled the air across a wide area while the fire and explosions gutted the 4x4 and also damaged two other nearby vehicles.

A police spokesman said: "On Wednesday 3rd November at 23:53 hours, police received a report of a car on fire in Rosslyn Road.

"Police attended along with the London Fire Brigade who extinguished the fire.

"Whilst at the scene, police identified another vehicle that had been damaged on the same road. The driver's door window had been smashed.

"Police have opened an investigation into arson and criminal damage.

"If anyone has any information which could assist police with their investigation, call 101 and quote CAD 9538/03NOV21."

London Fire Brigade said: "One fire engine from Richmond fire station was called on Wednesday night at 2353 to Rosslyn Road. One car was completely destroyed by fire and a small part of another vehicle was also damaged in the blaze."

The burnt-out frame of the car currently still sits on Rosslyn Road as do the two cars also caught up in the flames.