Police await all-clear for fire attack site probe

BBC A row of shops have been gutted. There charred remains of roof joists and rafters. On the left hand side, under a blue tarpaulin, is the car used in the attack.BBC
Retail units in the Fairways Business Parkin Inverness were destroyed by fire

Police say the site of a fire attack on shops in Inverness almost two weeks ago must be made safe before detectives can investigate the scene.

Five retail units, four of them occupied by businesses, at Fairways Business Park were destroyed by fire after a car was driven into them and set alight.

Police have been guarding the site and the Skoda Octavia involved has been covered with a protective plastic covering.

A joint investigation would be carried out by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

A police spokesperson said: "The fire caused extensive damage and the area is closed to the public.

"Officers remain in attendance as we await the building being made safe to allow a full, joint investigation to take place."

They added: "Inquiries are continuing and detectives urge anyone with any information to come forward."

Footage shows fire damaged units at Fairways Business Park in Inverness

Last week, detectives appealed for CCTV and dashcam footage of the car.

Police said the dark grey Skoda was deliberately reversed into the business units and set alight just before midnight on Saturday 8 March.

A man wearing a balaclava was seen running from the scene.

Police asked the public for any footage of the car on the nearby Sir Walter Scott Drive and from Druid Temple, a housing estate close to the business park.

A fish shop, travel agents, bakers, barbers and hairdressers were lost in the blaze.

There was some damage to the entrance of an indoor go-kart raceway behind the units.

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