A MAN was arrested following a suspected arson attack on a rural car dealership.

Three Smart cars and three Maseratis were torched on the forecourt of Rennsport Engineering, in the Claggy Road industrial estate in Kimpton in the early hours of last Wednesday.

Fire crews from Wheathampstead and Harpenden were called at 3.30am and used two hose reels and two jets to douse the flames.

They also had to make safe a large gas canister which was under threat.

A fire service spokeswoman described the cause of the blaze as doubtful, although police later said it was being treated as arson.

A 42-year-old man detained following the incident has been released on police bail until next month.