FIREFIGHTERS had to force their way into a locked compound in South Gloucestershire last night after a car was deliberately set alight.

Crews were dispatched to Gypsy Patch Lane in Stoke Gifford following reports of the incident, and on arrival, discovered the fire was inside the locked site.

To get in, firefighters used cutting equipment and put out the flames using a hose reel and breathing apparatus.

An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said that, following an examination of the scene, it is believed that the fire was started deliberately, with the site being left in the hands of the police.