Businesses pick up the pieces after arson attack
Businesses have been plunged into turmoil after a suspected arson attack at a Fareham business park.
The fire which started at around 3am yesterday in The Gardens, Broadcut, destroyed the building which was home to seven different businesses.
The firms have now been told they may not be able to move back into the premises for four months.
A major investigation is under way to determine the cause of the fire.
Police are treating it as arson, as reported in The News yesterday.
Ray Khan, partner in Khan and Morris Accountants LLP, whose offices were hit by the blaze, said: 'It's a bit of a shocker. It's a disaster for us.
'We are only a small business of 10 employees.
'It's just about staying in business. It's a complete shock to the system. It's a building with all our equipment in it.
'We need to get ourselves together.
'It's a little bit of a kick in the teeth but we have just got to pick up the pieces now.'
Police secured the scene and the Arson Task Force began investigating the cause of the blaze after 50 firefighters spent six hours putting out the fire.
The entire roof of the building was destroyed with 90 per cent of the first floor damaged and the entire ground floor was destroyed by smoke and water.
Detective Constable Sarah Ridler said: 'We have reason to believe this fire was started deliberately. A scene guard will remain at the location for as long as is needed to establish how this fire happened.
'We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the fire.
'We would also like to hear from anyone with information about those responsible.'
Anyone with information should call Fareham CID on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The businesses within the unit include Quayside Associates; Polymedia; Haven Construction; MFA Accountants; Hi-Spec Corporation; Aspen Waite; and Khan and Morris Accountants LLP.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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