A retired veteran, John Docherty, was left devastated when his beloved restoration project, a 20-year-old Audi TT, was destroyed in a deliberate fire in Cymmer, near Neath Port Talbot. The 68-year-old had recently retired after serving in the armed forces and had been looking forward to spending his time working on the car as a ‘passion project’ in his retirement. However, on Friday, March 14, his neighbours alerted him to a fire at the back of his house where the car was parked off-road near his garage.
Upon looking out the window, Mr. Docherty saw his car engulfed in flames and quickly alerted the fire brigade. Despite their efforts, the car was left completely destroyed. The police are currently investigating the incident, believing the fire was started deliberately, and are working to identify a suspect. John Docherty expressed his disbelief over the incident, stating, “It’s awful. It’s beyond repair, it’s just a burnt-out shell now.”
In addition to the destruction of his Audi, the fire also damaged the wooden gates around the carport and another vehicle that was parked behind it. Unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage, Mr. Docherty has been unable to assess the condition of his other car or attempt to have it repaired. Moreover, as the torched Audi was off-road and registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), it was not insured, resulting in a significant financial loss for him.
Mr. Docherty expressed his disappointment over the situation, sharing his plans and enthusiasm for working on the Audi as his “pride and joy for the summer.” He recalled the sentimentality of the car, saying that the incident reminded him of unsettling times during his service in Northern Ireland. Despite the challenges, he is eagerly awaiting updates from the police and fire service on the progression of the investigation to uncover the individual responsible for the arson attack.
Authorities from South Wales Police and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and confirmed that the fire had been extinguished upon their arrival. The investigation is ongoing, with CCTV inquiries being conducted to identify the culprit behind the deliberate act. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to come forward and reference crime number 2500082049.
The community, including neighbours and residents of Cymmer, have been shocked by the senseless destruction caused by the arson attack on Mr. Docherty’s cherished restoration project. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of such crimes not only on individuals but also on the wider community. The support and solidarity shown towards Mr. Docherty during this challenging time highlight the resilience and unity of the neighbourhood in overcoming such adversities.