A horse box lorry was deliberately set on fire and completely destroyed earlier this week.

It had been converted into a living space, so it was fortunate that the owner was away and not injured in the fire that was set in the night.

At just before 3am on Thursday, April 3, two fire engines were called to Market Street in Newton Abbot after multiple reports of fire.

Initial reports were that it was a caravan on fire near the clock tower but on arrival, crew discovered it to be a horse box lorry.

The horse box had been converted into living accommodation and was well alight.

Fortunately the owner was not present and the lorry was empty.

The fire underway. Picture: Newton Abbot Fire Station

The fire underway. Picture: Newton Abbot Fire Station

Crews set to work extinguishing the fire with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet, a main jet and small tools.

They used drag forks, additional lighting and the hooligan bar to cut away and remove debris from the lorry in order to confirm the fire had been fully extinguished.

The horse lorry was completely destroyed by the fire which is believed to have been set deliberately.

The horse lorry was destroyed. Picture: Newton Abbot Fire Station

The horse lorry was destroyed. Picture: Newton Abbot Fire Station

Police are investigating.