Fire in Newport treated as arson

Police are appealing for witnesses after a community building in Newport was set alight, causing extensive damage.

The Parish Rooms in New Street was discovered on fire at around 2.30am on Sunday (24 June) by a security guard working in the town.

He flagged down a passing police patrol who called Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Crews from Newport, Wellington and an Aerial Ladder Platform from Shrewsbury attended and spent the rest of the night extinguishing the fire and damping down. A Fire Investigation Officer was also called to the scene, and is working with Scenes of Crime.

Extensive damage was caused to the building, including the roof space. Many items were completely destroyed, although exactly what was damaged has not yet been established.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious. An appeal to anyone with information has been made.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "It appears that access had been gained to the rear of the premises and a fire had been started in a small storage room.

"Police are treating the incident as arson and we would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to the fire to come forward."
Anyone with information should contact Telford Police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

25th June, 2012

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