Two vehicle fires in the Isle of Wight town of East Cowes are being investigated as arson, says Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The force has also confirmed it is exploring possible links to other recent nearby vehicle fires.

On Saturday night (January 21), police officers were called to two separate fires on Kent Avenue and Victoria Grove, at around midnight.

Firefighters from East Cowes and Newport were already fighting the flames, which eventually destroyed a large motorhome and van, badly damaged a car and also spread to a fence.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary told the Isle of Wight County Press: "We were called, at around 11.47pm, to reports of a vehicle on fire on Victoria Grove, East Cowes.

"Shortly after midnight, we received a further call regarding a campervan on fire.

"Officers attended both scenes and an extensive search was conducted, however no suspects were located."

Isle of Wight County Press: What's left of the van, on Victoria Grove, East Cowes.What's left of the van, on Victoria Grove, East Cowes. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Video shows the York Avenue van fire in December.

Both fires are now considered to have been started deliberately and are being investigated as arson.

As part of the police investigation, possible links to other crimes are being investigated. 

On December 20, two vans were damaged by a fire on York Avenue, in East Cowes.

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Video shows the East Cowes fire in July 2022.

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One of the vans, registered to Island-based company Islandwide Carpets, was completely destroyed and a second van was also damaged.

In July 2022, at the same York Avenue location, three vehicles and a hedge went up in flames.

At the time, residents said it was not the first incident of its kind.