Telford motorcycle firm is gutted by blaze
Fire ripped through a business in Telford today destroying the building and 10 motorbikes inside in a suspected arson attack.
The blaze started at Lostboys Motorcycle Breakers, in Beveley Road, Ketley, shortly before 3am. Firefighters battled the blaze in the garage building for an hour and a half using hose reel jets and breathing apparatus, but they were unable to save the building or the motorcycles.
Police are treating the incident as arson They said that barbed wire was moved to gain access to the back of the garage and an accelerant was used to start the blaze.
Neighbours called the fire service after hearing bangs coming from the building, which are believed to have been caused by cans of paint exploding in the heat.
The owner of the business, Mark Westlake, was alerted by the fire service.
Mr Westlake, a member of Telford motorcycle club The Lostboys, started the business 20 years ago to supply parts for motorcycles, scooters, trikes and quad bikes.
Watch manager Ian Leigh, from Wellington fire station, said: "Fire investigation officers are due to visit the garage today. They will be able to carry out a better examination in the daylight."
He added that the fire had been difficult to control.
He said: "Initially it was difficult because the fire was in the roof space of the garage and there was only one appliance in attendance.
"It took a few minutes to get the fire under control, but once we got some water on it and a second appliance arrived from Telford Central fire station, it got easier.
"All the contents of the garage were destroyed. We believe there were about 10 motorcycles inside, but they were destroyed along with all the equipment there."
The destroyed bikes are believed to include Hondas, Kawasakis, Suzukis and Yamahas.
