THIS was the horrific scene in Tavistock's West Street last Friday morning when fire destroyed a van.

The blaze prompted several calls to the fire service. A crew from Tavistock attended at 9.20am. The fire service said the fire was detailed by the caller as starting in the electrical box in the rear of the van.

On the crew's arrival, the vehicle was well alight, and they used two breathing apparatus, two hosereel jets and hydraulic rescue equipment to extinguish the blaze.

A nearby property was also affected by heat and smoke and Western Power was requested to attend to check the safety of overhead cables.

Police were also called to assist as the vehicle was on a public highway.