Police are still unsure what caused the fire that gutted a caravan on the night of February 13. But some van dwellers are convinced it was arson as relations with locals deteriorate
In Bristol, tensions have escalated between van dwellers and locals following an alleged arson attack on a motorhome, prompting some van dwellers to arm themselves with axes and baseball bats. The city council has struggled to address the growing number of van dwellers, with homelessness in vehicles rising by 400% in five years. Some van dwellers claim to be law-abiding, while locals report criminal activity, rubbish, and poor hygiene. The council has issued eviction orders and installed planters to deter camping, but the situation remains unresolved.
