A serious investigation into suspected arson is underway after a fire caused extensive damage to two office units at Kingsditch Trade Park in Cheltenham last Tuesday evening.
The fire ignited at around 9pm on Upperfield Road, severely damaging two commercial office buildings. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Authorities believe the blaze was deliberately started in a large bin positioned adjacent to the affected buildings. CCTV footage captured a man behaving suspiciously on the trade estate at approximately 7.35pm, who then left the scene near the time the fire started.
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A business owner based in one of the impacted offices described the incident as “terrifying,” highlighting that the resulting damage, including blown-out windows and doors, is estimated to cost tens of thousands of pounds.
She stated: “It’s just devastating for us as a local business. Knowing it was arson raises concerns and questions about the motive. However, we can’t afford to halt operations out of fear; resilience is essential.”
Gloucestershire Police have released a CCTV image of the man they wish to identify. He is described as a white male with balding brown hair, wearing a bright blue coat, black tracksuit bottoms, and carrying a white carrier bag along with a large rucksack. It is thought he may have entered other premises on the estate earlier the same day.
Emergency services responded swiftly when the blaze was reported at about 9.20pm. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue deployed two fire engines from Cheltenham East and West stations, extinguishing the fire with the aid of two hose reels and four sets of breathing apparatus.
Police continue their efforts to identify the individual captured on CCTV and have appealed to members of the public and those working on the trading estate to come forward with any information. Anyone recognising the man or having details related to the incident is asked to complete an online form quoting reference number 53260080058.