Car set alight after attempted ram-raid at Ivinghoe Post Office
A car was set alight after being used in an attempted ram-raid at a village post office in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called to the High Street in Ivinghoe at around 3.15am.
Three fire crews tackled the blaze, with Bucks Fire and Rescue Service saying the car fire spread to the roof space of the building.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “A vehicle was used to damage the front of the premises before being set alight, causing damage to the building.
“No access was gained to the building and no arrests have been made at this time.
“An investigation is ongoing and we would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has relevant information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the High Street area between 2.50am and 3.15am today.
“Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43260412622.”
Bucks Fire and Rescue Service said: “The building sustained fire damage to part of the first floor and roof, with smoke damage throughout much of the property.
“Crews made steady progress extinguishing the fire and carried out cutting away, roof inspection and damping down operations to prevent further fire spread.”
Aylesbury Labour MP Laura Kyrke-Smith posted online following the incident: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific incident in Ivinghoe, and I want to thank everyone who is working to investigate and ensure the scene is safe.
"I’ve been in touch with Ivinghoe Parish Council and others to offer my support, and I want to extend the same offer to anyone in the community who has been affected.”
Buckinghamshire councillor for the Ivinghoe ward Peter Brazier also issued a statement saying: “I was shocked to see the damage caused to Ivinghoe Town Hall and Beacons Village Community Library overnight and I am relieved that no-one was injured.
"The town hall, community library, and post office play an important role in village life, and we all recognise how valued they are by residents, community groups and visitors.
“I want to thank the officers who acted immediately to make sure the building is safe and start work on supporting those affected.
"We will be working closely with emergency services and local partners to assess the impact on the building, explore alternative arrangements to enable services, activities and community groups to continue wherever possible and help keep disruption to a minimum while longer-term plans are developed.”
Ivinghoe Parish Council added: “Sadly last night the town hall was rammed by a vehicle which was set on fire.
"While investigations are conducted by the police and fire service and until we know the town hall is safe, the building remains closed.”
Beacon Villages Community Library posted online: “The library will be closed this week. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
"If any members are unable to return books any overdue fines will be waived for the next few days. Thank you.'