Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire destroys around 140 cars at Gatwick-area car park

A large fire broke out shortly after 9pm on Saturday at the Caldyne business park near Crawley, roughly eight miles from Gatwick airport, destroying approximately 140 vehicles. Many of the cars belonged to holidaymakers who had left them parked while flying out of Gatwick for their summer trips.

Eight fire engines and water carriers were sent to tackle what West Sussex fire and rescue service called a "significant and complex" operation, as flames burned close to overhead power lines. UK Power Networks, which runs the electricity network in south-east England, had to isolate a power cable so crews could safely fight the fire below.

The blaze knocked out power to more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the surrounding area, and nearby roads were closed as a precaution. Fire officials confirmed there were no casualties.

Beyond passenger vehicles, the fire severely damaged two vehicle recovery and breakdown businesses, Autocovery and K&L Automotive, as well as the Bears banger racing team, which said in a fundraising appeal that it had lost everything. Both recovery firms had previously donated old vehicles to West Sussex fire stations for training purposes.

Sussex police said a 67-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson and was later released on bail pending further investigation. Power remained shut off in the immediate area and emergency crews stayed on scene, with the public urged to avoid it.

A spokesperson for London Gatwick said the car park was an unaffiliated third-party site not endorsed or operated by the airport, and advised concerned passengers to contact the parking operator directly. Police asked anyone with information to report it online or call 101, quoting serial number 1504.