Police hunt restaurant blaze youths

From the Echo, first published Saturday 18th Oct 2003.

DETECTIVES are hunting two youths whom they believe may be connected to a huge blaze which gutted Burger King in Tower Park.

Poole police want to speak to the male pair who were spotted fleeing an earlier fire at the scene shortly before the devastating blaze broke out.

A female member of staff who was checking the bins behind Burger King around 8.20pm saw a bin on fire and two youths running away.

The restaurant manager put out the flames with an extinguisher shortly before a second fire, which destroyed the building, was discovered by staff some 40 minutes later.

Detective Sergeant Dave James from Poole CID said: "This was a potentially catastrophic fire that is being treated very seriously. It was lucky that no-one was injured or killed. Investigations have concluded that the fire was suspicious and that it was started deliberately."

DS James said: "I am appealing to anyone with information about the bin fire and the sighting of two youths to contact us. I am also appealing to anyone who saw the second fire start, or suspicious activity in the area of the Burger King restaurant between 8pm and 9pm to come forward."

The two youths police are keen to speak to are described as aged between 14-15 years, white, 5ft 5in tall and wearing dark clothing. One of the youths had a distinctive dark baseball cap with a large red flame motif across the peak and the sides. If you have any information which will assist police in their inquiries call DS James on 01202 223333 or the free, anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with arson in relation to the incident.

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