‘Like a bomb had gone off’: suspected arson attack fuels Glastonbury unease
Like a bomb had gone off – Jan Johnston, 71, was asleep in her van when a sudden explosion shook the structure. “I heard this massive boom,” she said. “I came out and there was thick, black, billowing smoke. It was like a bomb had gone off.” The event, however, was not the result of a bomb but a suspected arson attack targeting one of the many caravans, motorhomes, and converted vehicles parked in side roads and industrial estates near Glastonbury in Somerset. The flames spread rapidly, damaging three caravans just metres from Johnston’s vehicle. The wreckage still bears the traces of scorched belongings, including clothes, books, and tin cans.
Context of the Attack
For decades, individuals like Johnston have settled in Glastonbury, renowned for its alternative, spiritual, and tranquil atmosphere. These caravan dwellers have typically coexisted harmoniously with the town’s permanent residents, who live in traditional homes. Yet, the recent incident has stirred tension, fueled by a combination of rising numbers of roadside residents and a growing reluctance among locals to tolerate their presence. The exact motive behind the arson remains unclear, but it has cast a shadow over the community’s sense of security.
Johnston, a retired teacher, has called Glastonbury home for 47 years. She described herself as a “pilgrim” to the town, emphasizing its long-standing reputation as a serene destination. However, the attack has prompted her to reconsider her future. “I’m not staying any more. I’m packing up,” she said, citing her family on the Isle of Wight as the reason for her planned relocation. The fire, which occurred on Saturday night, has left some residents questioning whether it was an act of sabotage or a sign of deeper societal rifts.
John, 62, who resides in a caravan nearby, called the incident a “hate crime.” He noted that if the wind had blown in the opposite direction, the fire could have spread further, endangering lives. “More vans could have gone up, and people could have been killed. Horrendous,” he added. While some residents, like John, have chosen to live in vehicles, others, such as Hazel, who also dwells in a nearby caravan, prefer conventional housing. “I’d like a flat or house, even a room,” she said, “but they just aren’t available.” Hazel, who shares her home with her dog Okami—a mix of Czechoslovakian wolfdog and akita inu—explained that the animal provides her with a sense of safety. “I wouldn’t feel safe without Okami,” she remarked.
Political Response and Housing Crisis
The incident has become a focal point of political debate in the town. Earlier this year, Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke, representing Glastonbury and Somerton, highlighted the issue in the House of Commons. She pointed to a dramatic drop in affordable housing availability in Somerset and a surge in rents, which have forced many into temporary living arrangements. A Glastonbury Conservative councillor, Susannah Hart, has since urged Somerset council to declare a “state of emergency” to address the growing concern.
The numbers of people living in vans and motorhomes have increased significantly in recent months. As of February, there were 131 such dwellings in the area, but by late May, that figure had risen to 157. While Glastonbury has secured £23.6m in funding for regeneration projects—including initiatives aimed at supporting roadside dwellers—the progress has been slow. A planned regulated site near the fire’s location began construction but was halted due to flooding. A second site is now under consideration, though it will accommodate fewer than 20 units.
Not all permanent residents have been supportive of the caravan community. Some have speculated that the fire might have been caused by a barbecue left unattended by the dwellers. Others have expressed frustration, arguing that the growing population has made the town less welcoming. A local resident, who asked for anonymity, stated they were relieved no one was injured. “But if it makes them move away, then so be it,” they said. “Some are nice and friendly, work and pay their taxes. Too many, though, are trouble-causing and leave the area looking disarrayed.”
Investigation and Aftermath
Avon and Somerset police have arrested two individuals—a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s—on suspicion of arson, arson with intent to endanger life, and assault of an emergency worker. The pair has been released on conditional police bail as the investigation continues. The event has sparked fear among caravan dwellers, who now worry about their safety in a town that has long symbolized peace and community.
Johnston’s experience is emblematic of the broader anxiety felt by many in the caravan community. The attack has disrupted the sense of belonging she once cherished. “It’s always been a mellow kind of place,” she said, “but now I’m not sure I want to stay.” Meanwhile, John and Hazel have become vocal advocates for better living conditions. Hazel, who has faced personal trauma, emphasized her vulnerability. “I feel very unsafe,” she said, “and I’m not just talking about the fire.”
For centuries, Glastonbury has been a place of pilgrimage, attracting seekers of spiritual and cultural enrichment. Councillor Liz Leyshon, deputy leader of Somerset council and a native of Glastonbury, noted the town’s enduring appeal. “You’ve got a massive pull and a huge attraction to a tiny town,” she said. However, she also acknowledged the challenges posed by the “waves” of non-traditional dwellers. The influx has been particularly pronounced since the pandemic, with a second spike occurring after Bristol city council shifted its approach to temporary housing.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains divided. While some see the attack as a necessary warning, others view it as an escalation of tensions between permanent and temporary residents. For those living in vans, the incident has reignited fears about the future of Glastonbury. “It feels like the calm is breaking,” said John. “I’ve always felt safe here, but now I’m not sure.” The question remains: will this event mark the beginning of a deeper conflict, or will it be a rare occurrence in a town that continues to balance its alternative roots with the demands of modern life?
The fire, though isolated, has become a symbol of the growing divide. With affordable housing scarce and the caravan population expanding, the town’s identity is being tested. As the investigation continues, the focus is on not just the cause of the blaze but also the underlying social dynamics that have brought the community to this moment of unease. Whether the incident will lead to lasting change or merely a temporary shift in sentiment remains to be seen.
