Torched stolen vans damage New Forest near Bramshaw

THIEVES who dumped and torched two stolen vans have causing substantial damage to an area of the New Forest.

The burnt-out vehicles were discovered on land opposite the Pipers Wait car park off the B3078 Roger Penny Way in Bramshaw. Both engines had been removed.

A member of the public had alerted police to the first one before officers patrolling with a Forestry England ranger found a second had joined it.

Photos shared by police on Facebook showed the fires had scorched the Forest floor, and the post said this will take years to repair.

Confirming it was overseeing the vans’ removal and clear-up operation, an FE spokesperson said: “This is just another example of the detrimental impact the dumping of waste has on the Forest.

“Clearing up waste like this takes away limited resources that could be much better spent on supporting wildlife and conserving the landscape for all to enjoy.

“We are currently assessing the impact of this flytip and the damage caused.”

Facebook users took to the comments section on the police post to share their anger at the incident.

One wrote: “Just no respect for the Forest and animals. Disgraceful behaviour by disgusting people.”

Police have launched an investigation into the stolen vans.