Rival teams offer support after Aqua Blue Sport bus severely damaged by fire at Vuelta

Numerous teams riding in the Vuelta a España have offered their help and support to Aqua Blue Sport after the squad's team bus was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack overnight.

The Irish team's bus was parked up overnight outside the Tryp Indalo Hotel in Almeria, when it was set alight at around 1.20am, causing serious damage to the exterior and interior of the bus.

The team Tweeted on Thursday morning that it was a suspected arson attack, and that local police had arrested a suspect. A mattress appeared to have been placed under the rear of the bus and set alight.

"Our team bus has been completely damaged in a cowardly arson attack over night. No one was injured. Police have arrested a suspect." read a statement on Aqua Blue Sport's Twitter account.

Almost immediately, the team received offers of assistance from rivals teams, including Movistar, FDJ, Team Sky, Dimension Data and Trek-Segafredo.

None of the team's bikes were damaged in the incident.

The team's participation in the 2017 Vuelta a España is the first time that the squad has competed in a Grand Tour. They have played an active role in the race after 11 stages, with riders featuring in escape groups and British rider Adam Blythe finishing a creditable third on stage two.

The race continues on Thursday with stage 12 from Motril to Antequera. Chris Froome (Team Sky) currently leads the race overall.