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£17k of damage as burger van torched on bonfire night

Jordan Jones Inside a van kitchen, soiled with ash and melted walls. Jordan Jones
The owner of a burger van says he is "heartbroken" by the damage

A burger van owner says he is heartbroken after his vehicle was set alight on bonfire night, causing £17,000 of damage.

Mr Jones used all his savings to set up the business two years ago, and says his insurance will not cover the cost.

With his wife expecting the couple's first baby on Christmas Eve, Mr Jones said he will not give up on his business.

Gwent Police said the force received a report of a vehicle fire in Beaufort Road, Tredegar, at about 02:05 GMT on 6 November and an investigation is ongoing.

Jordan Jones Picture of business owner Jordan Jones stood inside his blue and white striped burger van. Jordan Jones
The Munch Stop van is in a "hell of state" compared to its former glory, Mr Jones said

Mr Jones received a call from someone who lives nearby who spotted the fire.

He said two full canisters were placed outside the van and he was fortunate firefighters were called before even more damage was caused.

The van was the business' second and was initially opened to put away money for his wife's maternity leave.

"To just have it taken off me in a blink of an eye I am truly heartbroken," he said.

But response from customers and the community has been "astounding" said Mr Jones, with people leaving encouraging comments online and donations.

Jordan Jones Jordan's burger van from the outside with burn marks visible and equipment from the van strewn on the floor Jordan Jones
Jordan Jones says he is determined to get his burger van up and running again as soon as possible

Mr Jones said he would not let the fire bring down him or his business and that he is driven by his "little family" to rebuild.

"I will never get what is owed to me back but we will be back bigger and better than ever," he said.

"Which is why we will be opening on Saturday and are determined to get the [damaged] van back up and running as soon as we can."