FareShare UK saw one of its vans destroyed in Leith.
A charity in Edinburgh has warned tens of thousands of of people in Edinburgh could be left without food after a van was torched in the city.
A FareShare UK van was destroyed in a blaze outside the charity’s depot in Jane Street, Leith, with no damage to the building.
The charity said the incident will have a significant impact on their ability to deliver food to the 20,000 beneficiaries in 130 groups they cover each week.
FareShare have been forced to cancel all of its food pantries across the city this week.
FareShare depot services manager Craig Buchan said: "We're fortunate that no-one was hurt and that no damage has been done to the building.
"As a team, many of whom are volunteers, we are badly shaken up by this incident and our operations, which supply food to those in need, will be significantly impacted this week.
"We are working on getting a replacement van organised as soon as we are able, but without doubt, several tonnes of food will be wasted, food pantries will be cancelled and a high number of the 20,000 beneficiaries we support every week will go without food."
No-one was injured in the incident. The fire started at 10.30pm. As soon as fire services arrived, the blazing van was extinguished within 17 minutes.
Alan Rouane, a representative from FareShare UK added: "We're doing everything we can to divert deliveries to other sites and to support services in Central and Southeast Scotland.”
Detectives in Edinburgh are now appealing for information and witnesses following the fire.
The incident took place on Jane Street, at around 10.35pm on Sunday, 11 June, 2023.
Officers assisted their partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene. Whilst significant damage was caused, no injuries have been reported.
Police said enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Detective Sergeant Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “We can be thankful that no one was hurt as a result of this fire.
“As our investigation continues, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, or potential CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.
“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 4183 of 11 June, 2023.”
