Fire engine limo is gutted by blaze

It has become a favourite for school proms, nights out and children's parties across the West Midlands.

But today a fire engine limo lay wrecked after being attacked by arsonists.

The real fire brigade was called out last night after the £10,000 Big Red Limo belonging to Hot Stuff Limos was set on fire.

Around 100 bottles of bubbly also went up in smoke, along with an expensive sound system, big screen and flashing disco lights. The Big Red Limo, based on the A5 at Four Crosses, Cannock, is a familiar sight across the West Midlands and the firm was already filling up with Christmas bookings before the arson attack.

Company owner, 38-year-old fireman Tony Bishop, said he would be ringing customers over the next few days to let them know what was going on.

But he added he would have to seriously think about the future of the business as the limo is one of only a handful of full-length fire engine limo conversions in the UK and it will be costly and difficulty to replace it.

Mr Bishop said: "It's totally gutted and completely ruined. I had a phone call from my wife telling me what happened but I was on fire service duty last night so could not come down until this morning. I'm gutted to be honest with you.

"I will have to have a long think about whether I'm going to carry on."

Mr Bishop is appealing for anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious to call police on 0300 123 4455 or 0800 555 111.