Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire at car park used by Gatwick passengers

A man has been arrested in connection with an arson fire that ravaged a car park near Gatwick airport, destroying approximately 140 vehicles and causing significant disruption. The blaze erupted at Caldyne business park near Crawley, roughly eight miles from the airport, just after 9pm on Saturday night. Images circulating show vehicles ablaze and towering smoke plumes near overhead power lines.

The fire led to power cuts affecting over 2,000 homes and businesses, forcing UK Power Networks to isolate an overhead power cable. West Sussex fire and rescue service described the operation as "significant and complex," deploying eight fire engines and water carriers to contain the inferno. The fire not only devastated vehicles parked at the holiday parking site but also inflicted considerable damage on two breakdown and recovery businesses and a banger racing team, leaving Bears team with nothing.

Sussex police confirmed the arrest of a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson, who has subsequently been released on bail pending further investigations. Emergency services remain at the scene, and the public is advised to avoid the area due to ongoing operations. Gatwick Airport acknowledged the incident, advising affected passengers to contact their specific parking operators directly, emphasizing that the parking company is not affiliated with or endorsed by the airport.

Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to report it to Sussex police via the online portal or by calling 101, quoting case number 1504.