Stornoway fire may have been deliberate 4/10/14
Police investigating a blaze which badly damaged two flats in the heart of Stornoway say they want to speak to a group of people spotted nearby at the time.
Detectives have not ruled out the possibility the fire was started deliberately.
It was the second of two fires within hours at the same spot and police believed they are linked.
The fire wrecked the interior of Bliss Therapy -
A shared lobby was destroyed and there is severe smoke damage to both the salon and neighbouring maisonette.
Around 25 fire-
A wild gale was blowing at the time but the expertise of fire-
Eight fire personnel wore breathing sets to get closer to the flames in the choking
smoke and searing heat. Other fire-
It is believed floorboards were badly burnt though its unclear if this indicates the fire caught hold from underneath or is linked to the earlier fire at premises.
A group of people, believed to be youths, were spotted nearby at the time.
Police want to speak to them and have appealed to witnesses to determine if there are suspicious circumstances.
Western Isles police chief inspector Gordon Macleod said: “Officers are carrying out investigations as to how this blaze was started.
“We are appealing for witnesses. There were individuals seen in the area we are keen to speak to.”
He urged anyone with relevant information to contact police either at Stornoway or through Crimestoppers.
If anyone has any information about the incident they are encouraged to call Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-