Police are treating this morning’s (Saturday’s) fire in Portishead as suspicious.

Avon Fire and Rescue was called at about 12.15am to Old Mill Road because a lorry was alight.

There were 30-40 tonnes of hay onboard and police estimate about £140,000 worth of damage was caused.

Neighbours to the site said they heard an ‘explosion’.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Andrew Pugh said: “The fire caused extensive damage to the lorry, as well as smoke damage to a car transporter parked next to it.

“It’s extremely fortunate that no-one was in either vehicle or else the fire could have had fatal consequences.

“If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious in the Old Mill Road area around the time of the fire, or if anyone knows who may have been responsible, please call us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information which can help the police appeal is asked to call Avon and Somerset Constabulary on 101 and quote reference 5216081028,