Reading cab set alight in alleged hate crime against cab firm

A Reading cab was set alight by an alleged arsonist in a possible hate crime according to the cab firm.

The incident happened close to midnight on 3 July. A passer-by alerted the owner of the vehicle which was parked on the driveway of a house on Shinfield Rise in Reading.

The cabbie managed to contain the fire before it spread further. The cabbie's operator, Green Metro Cars, however believes the white Toyota vehicle was set alight on purpose as part of an alleged hate crime.

A spokesperson from Green Metro Cars told TaxiPoint: “We suspect that this might have been a hate crime. We don't have any evidence or witnesses.

“The matter is been reported to Police, but if anyone is a witness or has any information regarding this crime please call on 0118 966 6656.”

A Thames Valley police spokesman said: "Police were called at around 11.45pm on Friday, July 3 to a report of arson in Westlands Avenue, Shinfield.

"A car had been set alight.

"An investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made."