UPDATE. A man has been arrested and charged with Arson in relation to the van fire, according to Devon and Cornwall Police, Newquay

Retired Army Captain Peter Elliot is the self appointed human rights and legal spokesman for van dwellers at Newquay's Town Head Car park. A move by Cornwall Council to move on up to 50 camper vans after public concerns of abuse of the popular car park and widespread contravention regarding the prohibition on van over night stays. Notices were attached under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to windscreens giving notice to occupants to vacate or face removal or fines up to £1000. The notice expired on 14th July 2022 and 19 vans remained, The case was brought before a magistrate and despite a plea from Capt Elliot to desist from action until he could launch a legal appeal on the decision, the notices were upheld by the court. Final notices will now be issued to remaining vehicles giving 24 hours notice of enforcement. The site may now be visited by court appointed bailiffs with police and council support. Vehicles can be removed from the site forcibly if necessary. During the Court hearing Capt Elliot claimed he had been personally threatened by individuals he chose not to name due to his outspoken defence for the campers. He claimed his vehicle had been attacked on numerous occasions with eggs thrown at it only last night. Shortly after the court hearing Emergency services were called to the location when Captain Elliot's vehicle was seen to be on fire. The owner was yet to return from Truro where he was pursuing legal recourse to obtain a stay on the council action to remove vans. The source of the fire is as yet unknown ,CCTV footage of the area will be examined according to a Fire and Rescue member at the scene.