An arson investigation is currently underway in Cheltenham after a tent containing a dog was deliberately set on fire. The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, near the Tesco Express on the High Street.
Thanks to the quick actions of passersby, the dog was rescued unharmed. Members of the public moved the burning tent away from nearby buildings to prevent the fire from spreading and extinguished the flames using water before fire crews arrived. Firefighters later confirmed that the fire was started deliberately.
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to, as he may have witnessed the event. The individual was seen wearing a white top and dark trousers and was observed conversing with another man dressed in dark clothing with his hood up shortly before the fire began.
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Investigators are urging anyone who saw the man in dark clothing between 3:15 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., or anyone who interacted with him that morning, to come forward. Additionally, anyone who has relevant CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area during that time is asked to contact the police.
Information can be submitted online using the form on the Gloucestershire Police website, referencing incident number 58 of March 30. Alternatively, you can call the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.