A bus shelter that has been lived in by a homeless man for months has been destroyed in a fire. 

Wiltshire Police have since launched an investigation into the blaze, with initial signs pointing towards it being a 'deliberate act of arson'. 

Fire crews were called to the scene on the A350 in Kington Langley, near Chippenham, at around 4.30am on Friday morning. 

No-one was inside the bus shelter at the time of the fire, but it was completely destroyed by the flames and a number of belongings that were inside were also lost. 

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We were called to Malmesbury Road, Kington Langley at 4.24am on Friday morning (March 15) for a fire in a brick bus shelter.

"One crew from Chippenham attended and one breathing apparatus wearer used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire, which destroyed the structure. Our stop was at 5.12am."

DWFire did not know the cause of the fire at the time of this newspaper's enquiry, but it is being treated as suspicious. 

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

"The shelter has been occupied in recent months, however we do not believe anybody was injured during the incident.

"Although early stage of the investigation, it is believed the fire was started deliberately, however enquiries are ongoing.

"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."

Chippenham homeless charity Doorway has condemned the act and explained it is more common than people might think. 

“If it turns out that this fire was started deliberately we would be shocked, but sadly not surprised," a spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately arson attacks on rough sleepers are not unusual – people without accommodation are extremely vulnerable to all kinds of violence and abuse.

"Rough sleeping is itself traumatising, very often leading to serious health and addiction issues.

"Until the county builds enough appropriate, affordable, safe homes for everyone we will continue to see incidents such as this in our towns and villages.

"We can only imagine the negative impact this will have on the person’s life, and of course we will do all we can to support them."