A HUNTINGDON road was closed for more than two hours on Monday morning after arsonists caused a gas leak. Police and firefighters were called to Redwongs Way at 3.56am after a large white Mercedes van had been set alight. When crews arrived at the scene

A HUNTINGDON road was closed for more than two hours on Monday morning after arsonists caused a gas leak.

Police and firefighters were called to Redwongs Way at 3.56am after a large white Mercedes van had been set alight.

When crews arrived at the scene they found the fire had spread to the premises of Arch Motor and Manufacturing Co Ltd and had melted pipes leaving gas escaping into the air.

Highways Agency staff and police closed the road to traffic and pedestrians at 4.30am and National Grid worked to cut off the gas supply. The road reopened at 6.45am.

An employee of Arch Motor and Manufacturing Co Ltd told The Hunts Post the van, which was a company vehicle, had been "totally burnt". The employee added: "The van was beside a gas main and it is lucky the premise was not blown up."

The fire caused damage to the roof of the property and also to one of the workshops.

Bruce Robinson, managing director of Arch Motor and Manufacturing, said it was likely to cost just under £5,000 to repair the damage.

Although, the damage was kept to a minimum and people could still work, it is an inconvenience that we do not need and it makes unnecessary work for us."

He added that this was not the first time the company, which makes chassis for sports cars, and employees 35 people, had been a victim of vandalism. In the past year, bricks have been thrown through their windows and gas bottles have been stolen.

Police are investigating the fire as suspected arson.

INFORMATION: Anyone with information is asked to contact Cambridgeshire police on 0845 4564564 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.