Around 140 vehicles have been destroyed in a major fire at a business park near Gatwick Airport, with a 67-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson.

The blaze broke out at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly after 9pm on Saturday. Firefighters described the incident as a “significant and complex” operation involving vehicles, a workshop and cylinders.

The fire also temporarily disrupted electricity supplies to more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the surrounding area. Fire crews remained at the site to dampen down hotspots as investigators examined the scene.

A number of the destroyed vehicles belonged to holidaymakers who had used the site for airport parking while travelling from Gatwick. London Gatwick has stressed that the parking operation is an unaffiliated third-party business.

Sussex Police said the arrested man has been released on bail while enquiries continue. No casualties have been reported.

The investigation will now focus on establishing how the fire started and whether criminal action caused the extensive damage.