Police have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack on a commercial property in Newport during the early hours of this morning (Thursday).
Fire crews from Newport, Cowes and East Cowes were mobilised to Friends of the Animals on Riverway Industrial Estate at just before 01:00.
4 appliances rushed to the scene alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform and the Incident Command Unit.
Thankfully, the situation was quickly brought under control using 2 breathing apparatus and 1 hose reel jet. The fire, situated within the front of the council-owned building, has been described as small.
A thermal imaging camera was used to check for any hotspots to ensure the fire had not spread on the ground floor.
Island Echo is told that Police combed the local area for an individual who is understood to have fled the scene. It’s unclear at this stage if any arrests have been made.
UPDATE – Police have confirmed that the incident is being treated as arson.
A spokesperson for the force has said:
“We were called shortly before 1am with reports of a fire at Friends of the Animals in Newport. Upon police attendance, the fire service had extinguished the fire.
“No-one was injured.
“The incident is being investigated as arson and enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting 44200447554.
What a absolute prick. Who does that! Setting fire to a charity. I hope they catch that a hole and throw everything they can at him. If I was the judge, it would be the maximum penalty!
I really hope the charity can still operate and continue the good work they do whilst all of this has gone on.
It seems the low lives have reached new depths.Absolutely tragic for the charity.
This could be the same person who hates animals, and is poisoning dogs etc in Parkhurst.
Police should check the whereabouts of the Parkhurst animal hater. Could be a link. For to have two such vile, mental trash venting hatred on animals in Newport area is coincidence?
Perhaps the Parkhurst animal hater is worried their antics are being watched so moving hate for creatures elsewhere.
What an absolute!!!! I hope hope who ever did this is caught and locked up for a very long time
Arseole !