Arsonists attack cars at Walsall garage

Arsonists left a trail of destruction at a family-run Walsall garage – prompting the owner to put up a cash reward.

Only the empty shells of a Peugeot 207, Vauxhall Astra and Renault Scenic were left following the arson attack at MSGT Motors showroom, which caused £16,000 worth of damage to the business.

Sohan Singh, owner of the 29-year-old firm in Leamore Lane, today said he would offer £10,000 for information leading to conviction of the culprits.

The father of five said a trailer used for storing spare parts was also destroyed in the blaze.

Mr Singh, aged 66, of Chantry Avenue, Bloxwich, said: "It happened in the early hours of the morning when I was at home asleep. Someone knocked on my door who lives near the garage and alerted me to it. I was gutted.

"The cars burned down to their bare shells and the aluminium on a trailer which is used for storage melted in the intense heat. Some paint was stripped off the door to the workshop. The cars were up for sale. If they had been any closer to the workshop, that might have gone up too."

He said CCTV footage had captured someone setting fire to the vehicles.

The attack happened on Wednesday at 1.15am. Police say the incident is being investigated. Anyone with information should call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Lisa O'Brien