A deliberate fire has caused significant damage to two commercial office units at the Kingsditch Trade Park on Upperfield Road in Cheltenham, prompting an arson investigation.
The fire broke out at approximately 9pm on Tuesday evening, with firefighters from Cheltenham East and Cheltenham West stations attending the scene promptly. Using two hose reels and wearing breathing apparatus, the crews successfully extinguished the blaze. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The fire is believed to have been intentionally started, with investigation pointing to a large bin placed against the adjacent buildings as the ignition point. Earlier CCTV footage reveals a man acting suspiciously near the site around 7.35pm, who then left the area close to the time the fire began.
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One local business owner, operating from one of the affected offices, described the experience as “terrifying” and highlighted the financial impact, estimating damage to be in the tens of thousands of pounds, including windows and doors blown out by the intense flames.
She commented: “It’s just devastating for a local business like us. When you realise it’s arson, there’s worry and concern because you don’t know why they did it. But we can’t afford to not be operational, so we’re not going to be scared of anyone. We have to be resilient.”
In a bid to identify the suspect, Gloucestershire Police have released a CCTV image of a man of interest. He is described as a white male with a balding head and brown hair, wearing a bright blue coat, black tracksuit bottoms, and carrying a white carrier bag along with a large rucksack. It is believed he may have entered other premises within the trading estate earlier the same day.
Police are urging anyone who recognises the individual or has information related to the incident to come forward. They ask that any relevant details be submitted via an online form referencing case number 53260080058.