A suspected arson attack has caused considerable damage to a business premises on the Kingsditch Trading Estate in Cheltenham. The fire, which broke out around 9pm on Tuesday, 15 September, began when bins outside the office were deliberately set ablaze.
The building, which houses the offices of Cheltenham-based clothing brand HERA Clothing, sustained tens of thousands of pounds in damage. Flames from the blaze blew out windows and doors, necessitating boarding-up of affected areas.
Despite the extensive damage, staff have been able to return inside and resume work, though the incident has had a profoundly distressing impact on the local company. One of the co-founders of HERA Clothing, established in 2015, described the aftermath as “devastating for a local business.”
She said: “We’re approaching our busiest season and we are fortunate to get back into the building and continue operations. However, it’s unsettling to experience what appears to be a random arson attack, seemingly carried out without clear motive.”
Expressing her concern about the event, she added: “Initially, it was terrifying not knowing what was burning inside. When it became clear it was arson, there was added worry about the intentions behind it. But we cannot afford to halt our activities and must remain resilient.”
The suspect fled the scene on foot and has yet to be apprehended. CCTV footage capturing the individual has been handed over to police to assist in their investigation.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly, arriving within ten minutes of the fire being reported. They contained the blaze to the wheelie bin, which was completely destroyed, while the commercial building suffered approximately five per cent fire damage.
A fire service spokesperson said: “We were called to Kingsditch Trading Estate at 9.20pm on Tuesday, 15 September. Two fire engines from Cheltenham East and West attended, using two hose reels and four sets of breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. The incident was brought under control by 10.51pm.”
Gloucestershire Police have been contacted for comment as the investigation into the suspected arson continues.