Exmouth firefighters responded to an incident that occurred shortly after 6am yesterday morning (Sunday 19 December) in which a council road sweeper caught fire.

One fire engine was sent. They managed to put out the fire, but the road sweeper was 'totally destroyed'.

According to East Devon District Council, the driver noticed 'something had ignited in the sweeper' and so drove it into the middle of the Strand to minimise danger to pedestrians and buildings - which is where it burst into flames.

The driver escaped unharmed.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a 999 call reporting a council-owned road sweeper on fire. One fire engine was sent and on arrival they confirmed this sweeper was fully involved in fire.

"The fire was extinguished using a hose reel jet, breathing apparatus, thermal image camera, and small tools.

"The sweeper was totally destroyed by fire and the cause was accidental."

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said: "We will begin an investigation with our health and safety team along with our insurers to determine the cause of the fire.

"As a precautionary measure EDDC has also stood down another sweeper of the same make, which we have on the same fleet, until the cause is understood."

A collection of the vehicle and clean-up of residue has been arranged.