Police probe grass fire which destroyed businesses

A police investigation has been launched into the cause of a grass fire which destroyed several businesses on an industrial estate.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to a blaze at Locking Farm Industrial Estate in Weston-super-Mare at 03:03 BST on Tuesday. The fire closed the A371 for most of the day.

Avon and Somerset Police has now urged anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously on or near the A371 between 02:00 and 03:00 on Tuesday to speak to them.

"It was fortunate nobody was seriously harmed during this incident, and members of the public should expect to see an increased presence in the area while enquiries continue," said neighbourhood Ch Insp Andy Barry.

Fire crews from 12 stations were at the scene for more than 14 hours on Tuesday, with Avon and Somerset Police assisting with road closures.

Police said the investigation was in its early stages but "appropriate action will be taken against anyone found to have committed criminal offences".

"We understand incidents like this are a huge concern locally and nationally following recent incidents during an extended period of hot and dry weather," Barry said.

"We would urge any witnesses, those with information or any CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage, to contact us to assist with our enquiries."

Martin Fey, who manages the business units on the site, said: "It's a tragedy for those businesses that have gone, but nobody was hurt, so we're OK."

He added it would take a "long, long time to get back to normal".

Jonathan Harvey, who has owned an MoT centre at the site since 2012, said the fire was "devastating".

"It's all gone. There were flames everywhere. After 40 minutes, I couldn't watch anymore."

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