A VAN was set on fire after being abandoned at a woodland car park.

Emergency services were called to Castle Neroche woodland at around 3.50am this morning (November 9).

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Two fire engines from Taunton and Ilminster were mobilised following a call from a police unit who had come across a van on fire in the car park of Castle Neroche woodland, situated between Taunton, Ilminster and Chard.

"On arrival crews confirmed this vehicle was well alight and latter confirmed the van had been abandoned and deliberately set on fire.

"By 4:55am the incident was under control, with crews using four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish it.

"Once the vehicle and scene had been made safe, duty of care was left with the police."