VIDEO: Dramatic CCTV shows moment Sheffield vehicle repair centre goes up in flames

Dramatic CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment a vehicle repair business went up in flames in an arson attack.
Firefighters at the scene.Firefighters at the scene.
Firefighters at the scene.

Yobs broke into the Auto Repair Centre in Darnall under the cover of darkness before vandalising several vans and cars.

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PICTURES: Police confirm investigation after 'demolition derby' wrecking spree a...
Firefighters at the scene.Firefighters at the scene.
Firefighters at the scene.

Matt Hunt, owner of the Auto Repair Centre, said two men aged in their late teens and wearing hooded tops, were caught on CCTV at the scene of the crime.

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He released the video today - which shows firefighters tackling the blaze - in a desperate bid to find those responsible for leaving part of his business in ruins.

The 49-year-old said: "I do not understand what these people get out of this.

Owner Matt Hunt with the damaged cars and vans set alight by vandals at Auto Repair Centre in Darnall.Owner Matt Hunt with the damaged cars and vans set alight by vandals at Auto Repair Centre in Darnall.
Owner Matt Hunt with the damaged cars and vans set alight by vandals at Auto Repair Centre in Darnall.

"I nearly lost my business that I have built up for the last 20 years."

This was the third business to be vandalised in Coleford Road, Darnall, within the space of a few days after a neighbouring haulage firm and another vehicle repair company were targeted.

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Business owners are now so scared they could be the next victim that they are conducting their own patrols of the industrial estate late at night and on weekends.

Mr Hunt added: "Everyone here is scared about what will happen next. People have been driving around at night to check on their business.

Owner Matt Hunt with the damaged cars and vans set alight by vandals at Auto Repair Centre in Darnall.Owner Matt Hunt with the damaged cars and vans set alight by vandals at Auto Repair Centre in Darnall.
Owner Matt Hunt with the damaged cars and vans set alight by vandals at Auto Repair Centre in Darnall.

"We all have CCTV but we have talked about getting security in."

Vandals went on their wrecking spree at about 12.30am on Tuesday, April 17.

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In just an hour a total of six vans and two cars were either vandalised or set on fire along with a container.

They had also let the handbrake off one of the vans which then rolled smashing into another vehicle.

A burned out van at the centre.A burned out van at the centre.
A burned out van at the centre.

Mr Hunt added: "The fire very nearly spread to another building which had about £15, 000 worth of vehicles in it. There was also gas cannisters and fuel in there, so it could have gone up.

"But thankfully a resident spotted the blaze and rang firefighters who came straight away."

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He said that the firm was in discussion with their insurance company over the damage but stressed the centre - and its eight workers - would continue.

READ MORE: Probe underway into blaze involving cars and vans at Sheffield repair centreThe incident happened just days after neighbouring R Cox Haulage Ltd and vehicle repair company WTR Ltd were targeted.

They smashed lorries together at the haulage firm before setting the place on fire causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Company owner Robert Rounce, aged 50, of Worksop, said the yard looked like the aftermath of a 'demolition derby'.

It is understood a number of vehicles and a garage were also targeted at WTR Ltd, which shares part of the same yard.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.