Arsonists destroy £130k wedding car fleet in Wrexham

The cars were stored in a garage, which was also destroyed

A couple who rent wedding cars have vowed to be back in business in days after their fleet of classic vehicles was destroyed in an arson attack.

Sharon and Philip Hughes lost a collection of seven vehicles, worth an estimated £130,000.

Their garage at Oaklands Chauffeured Vehicles was also destroyed in the blaze in Acrefair, Wrexham, on Friday.

The fire was believed to have been started deliberately and police are investigating.

Mrs Hughes said the couple, who live on site, were alerted when they saw an "unusual light" coming from the garage late at night.

Her husband tried to keep the fire under control, but the blaze was too fierce.

We're just asking anyone who hears anything to contact the police...any rumours or anything Sharon Hughes, Oaklands Chauffeured Vehicles

Six cars - two Beauford models, two Daimler limousines, a Jaguar and a Roadster - and a vintage motorcycle, were destroyed.

Mrs Hughes said: "Phillip took in a lot of smoke, and was blown to his knees at one point.

"But the emergency services really looked after him. They were brilliant all the way through.

"Everyone else, too, has been great. We've had calls from former brides, checking how we are, and the brides who have been affected by this have all been very understanding."

Mr and Mrs Hughes were able to help those couples getting married last weekend find alternative vehicles.

They are now speaking to their insurers and hope to be "up and running within days, hopefully".

The damaged vehicles are still on site and the couple are not allowed in their garage until investigations are complete.

Mrs Hughes said she did not believe the attack was personal, but just a mindless act of vandalism.

"We're just asking anyone who hears anything to contact the police. Any rumours or anything, that's the only lead we're going to get at the moment."