Homeless person's belongings destroyed by fire in Preston city centre car park

An investigation is under way after a fire destroyed a homeless person's belongings in Preston city centre.
Fire crews have tackled a fire involving a mattress in a sheltered area behind Evoque nightclub in Church Street, Preston at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (May 29)Fire crews have tackled a fire involving a mattress in a sheltered area behind Evoque nightclub in Church Street, Preston at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (May 29)
Fire crews have tackled a fire involving a mattress in a sheltered area behind Evoque nightclub in Church Street, Preston at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (May 29)

Two engines from Preston attended the fire within a sheltered area of the Syke Street Car Park, behind Evoque nightclub, at around 12.30pm today (Wednesday, May 29).

Crews were alerted to the blaze after smoke activated a fire alarm inside the Church Street night club.

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On arrival, fire crews found a burning mattress, a smouldering sleeping bag and other fire-damaged belongings scattered about the car park.

Fire crews have tackled a fire involving a mattress in a sheltered area behind Evoque nightclub in Church Street, Preston at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (May 29)Fire crews have tackled a fire involving a mattress in a sheltered area behind Evoque nightclub in Church Street, Preston at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (May 29)
Fire crews have tackled a fire involving a mattress in a sheltered area behind Evoque nightclub in Church Street, Preston at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (May 29)

The sheltered area of the car park is often used by the city's homeless and it is feared that a rough sleeper's possessions might have been deliberately targeted.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is understood to have been started deliberately.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the suspicious fire has been reported to police.

Fire crews were at the scene for about an hour and used a hose reel and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the flames.

Lancashire Police have been approached for comment.