75952-09A SCHOOLS' sports tournament could have ended in tragedy when a van burst into flames close to a crowded football pitch.

Parents watched in horror as a plume of thick toxic smoke rose from the car park of Greendown School yesterday.

Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes but the flames had already spread to cars parked either side of the Citroen van.

The van was gutted while a Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta were severely damaged.

More than 60 people were gathered in the adjacent school fields to watch youngsters play football and hockey.

Among them was Peter Broomfield, the owner of the Clio.

The 48-year-old, who was watching his son's team, Ferndale Rodbourne Youth Club FC, take on rivals from Abbey Meads, said: "We could see the smoke from the pitches but I had no idea it was my car at that point. It's in a right old state."

But the die-hard footie fan took it on the chin and said at least he could salvage something out of the day.

"We won 2-0," he grinned.

Nine-year-old Rebecca Carter, from Stratton, was representing Ruskin Junior School at hockey when the blaze started.

She said: "There were games going on when all of a sudden flames shot up from the car park.

"Teachers ran over to the car park to see what had happened. I think one teacher wanted to make sure his car was okay."

Mum Tracey, 34, was confronted by firefighters still tackling the flames when she picked her daughter up just before midday.

She said: "It was a bit of a shock but the teachers are all responsible and I knew she was in safe hands."

Sub Officer Perry Payne, of Westlea fire station, said the situation could have been a lot worse.

"Because it was a van there was the danger that it might contain potentially explosive cylinders like propane," he said.

"As we arrived it was pleasing to see that the teachers had taken control of the situation and marshalled the children away from the burning vehicles."

It's believed the blaze may been caused by an electrical fault.

An investigation will now be carried out.

The owners of the van and the Fiesta declined to comment on the incident.

Kevin Shoesmith