POLICE are investigating an alleged arson incident outside domestic properties in Tonedale.

A mattress was allegedly set alight on Wardleworth Court after 9pm on Tuesday, August 5.

Wellington Fire Station dispatched a fire engine to the scene, where the fire had reportedly spread from the mattress to a neighbouring fence and hedgerow, which crews extinguished.

According to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services, the fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

The fire team requested the attendance of the police, who were contacted just after 10pm.

No officers visited the scene that evening, but follow-up enquiries were reportedly completed the following morning.

A spokesperson for the police has said that “enquiries are ongoing and it is thought that the fire may have been started deliberately.”

A Wardleworth Court resident told the Wellington Weekly News that a woman had set fire to her mattress, as, she said, “the bin men wouldn’t take it.”

The source, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The fire spread across communal fencing and was spreading fast!

“There was risk of the big tree catching alight so everyone in the close started moving their cars out of the way.

“My partner and I used our outside tap and long hosepipe to keep the blaze under some form of control until crews arrived.”