Ten people led to safety in Shrewsbury building fire
Ten people had to be led to safety after a fire broke out at a building in Shrewsbury town centre in the early hours of today.
Ten people were led to safety by firefighters after a suspected arson attack on a shop in Shrewsbury town centre today.
Firefighters were called to Windsor Place just before 1.30am after a fire broke out in a wheelie bin which is understood to have been put into the doorway at the back of the Multiyork furniture store.
Full story in today's Shropshire Star
Ten people were led to safety by firefighters following a suspected arson attack on a shop in Shrewsbury town centre early today.
Firefighters were called to Windsor Place just before 1.30am after a fire broke out in a wheelie bin which is understood to have been put into the doorway at the back of the Multiyork furniture store.
The store was filled with thick, black smoke which is believed to have caused tens of thousands of pounds of damage
A number of flats were evacuated as there were concerns for the safety of residents living above the shop.
John Das-Gupta, area manager and head of protection and prevention at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said firefighters wearing breathing gear led 10 people to safety and confirmed an investigation was under way.
The fire was quickly brought under control by firefighters.
Richard Ewels, a spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "It's being treated as arson in a joint investigation by the police and the fire service. Police have issued an appeal for information, in particular if anyone was spotted acting suspiciously near the premises.
"It seems that a wheelie bin from the premises had been put in the doorway, which is at the rear of the shop, and then set alight."
Michelle Hancock, store manager, said about 80 per cent of the furniture had been destroyed or badly damaged and tens of thousands of pounds of damage caused.
It is not known when the store will reopen.
James Davies, who was one of the residents who was led to safety, said: "I was definitely a little bit scared when I realised the flames were on this side of the road."
By Sam Pinnington and John Kirk
