A police cordon is currently in place along Maidenhead riverside after a boat fire last night.

Shortly after 3:30am on Friday, June 2, emergency services received reports of a boat on fire near Boulters Lock, on Ray Mead Road.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Crews from Maidenhead Fire Station were sent to the scene alongside a water rescue boat from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesperson from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire involving a boat moored alongside the bank of the River Thames.

"Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used a hose reel to extinguish the fire."

It took crews approximately three hours and 45 minutes to get the fire under control and make the scene safe.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson added: “Officers attended along with the fire service, who extinguished the 17' Oldenburg Sport speedboat, which ended up partially sunk and severely damaged, while our officers closed the road. No one was hurt."

A police cordon remains in place as officers are said to be treating the incident as suspected arson.

One Thames Valley Police officer who is patrolling the scene stated that forensics had visited the area in the morning to take evidence.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, May 31 at 1:19am Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a similar incident near Boulters Lock Island in Maidenhead where a boat was on fire.

A spokesperson from the fire service said: "Crews discovered a fire involving a boat adrift on the River Thames. Firefighters equipped in breathing apparatus used two hose reels, a reach pole and throw lines to extinguish the fire.

"Crews were on the scene for approximately one hour and 29 minutes."

It is understood that following the fire, the boat floated downstream and can now be seen behind the flats on the approach to Maidenhead Bridge.

The owner of the boat has been notified of the fire and it has been reported that nobody was present at the time of the fire.

John Ellis, from Ealing, came across the boat during his day trip to Maidenhead.

He said: “It’s awful to see, it’s astonishing, something you wouldn’t expect to see around here.

"You can smell it - You can really smell the petrol.

"It must have been frightening for the people in the flats.”

Local Aaron Steadman, who lives in the Furze Platt area, said: "It’s terrible what people are up to in the early hours of the morning.

"It makes you think things aren’t safe being left.

"I'm not sure what we can do about this sort of thing and whether we need more police patrols."

Speaking to a boat owner a short way from the police cordon, they said they are now concerned for their boat.

Jenners Cafe, who provide the mooring along the stretch of river from the Woodhust flats to Bray Boats declined to comment on the suspected arson.

It is understood that the police cordon will be removed before the end of the day.

Police officers at the scene recognise safety concerns and are escorting people along the road past the cordon where there is no path on the other side of the road.

In connection with today's incident (June 2) Thames Valley Police added: “Officers are investigating the fire as an arson and anyone with information should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230241585.

“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”