POLICE and fire officers have launched an investigation after a caravan was completely destroyed in Melksham on Wednesday evening.

The large static caravan had only been delivered to the narrow site off Murray Walk and Forest Road at around 12 noon but was subjected to a suspected arson attack less than eight hours later.

Neighbours said they had been requested to move their cars in the morning so that the transport lorry could drop off the caravan and move it into position.

But it is thought the caravan was set alight only hours later at around 7.30pm. Neighbours reported seeing a glow coming from the caravan and called emergency services when the flames took hold.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called to assist fire officers as it was thought to be suspicious. House-to-house enquiries have been carried out."

Firefighters from Melksham, Corsham and Trowbridge tackled the blaze in the caravan behind houses in Forest Road close to its junction with Murray Walk.

On arrival, the two crews from Melksham and Corsham found the caravan to be well alight and quickly requested further help from Trowbridge firefighters.

Two hose reel jets, four breathing apparatus and one main jet were used to extinguish the fire, which completely destroyed the caravan.

A fire investigation officer from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.

The incident took place at 7.49pm. No-one was hurt during the fire.

Anyone with information should contact Wiltshire Police by calling 101 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.