Wiltshire Council will support a rough sleeper who had been using a bus shelter torched in a suspected arson attack.

The brick bus shelter on the A350, at Kington Langley near Chippenham, was destroyed in a fire during the early hours of Friday, March 15.

A rough sleeper had occupied the structure for some time and, while nobody was in the shelter during the blaze, a number of belongings were lost.

Police believe the fire was started “deliberately.”

Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing, said the council was concerned by the incident and will offer support.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The bus shelterThe bus shelter (Image: Trevor Porter)

He added: “Our Rough Sleeper team is aware of this gentleman and has been supporting him over the past few years.

“We are concerned to hear about the fire that occurred in this bus shelter and our outreach worker is seeking to establish what has happened and will offer the necessary support.”

Police have already launched an investigation into the fire.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We are appealing for information following a suspected arson incident at a bus shelter on the A350 near to Kington Langley, near Chippenham.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious behaviour in the area around this time.

"Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240030047."