Dramatic photos have shown the aftermath of a 'deliberate' blaze which took hold at a former garden centre in Fife.
The building located on Ridge Way in the town of Dalgety Bay, which was once the site of Dobbies Garden Centre before it was vacated three years ago, went up in flames shortly before 5am on Sunday October 23.
Emergency services including Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sped to the scene where it is believed firefighters from Dunfermline, Lochgelly and Kirkcaldy battled for three hours to put out the raging inferno.
Officers also diverted traffic away from the area. Photos taken the morning after the fire show the charred remnants of what used to be the garden centre canteen.
Multiple windows have been completely smashed, the roof appears dilapidated, with many parts caved in and exposing daylight, while wires hang dangerously loose from the ceiling.
Black, sooty debris can also be seen to have gathered at the window sills, with the damage looking to be significant. It is believed no one was injured in the incident, but police believe the fire was started deliberately, and so an investigation has now been launched to identify the culprits.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.50am on Sunday, 23 October, 2022, officers received a report of a fire at a premises on Ridge Way, Dalgety Bay. Officers assisted with traffic management.
“It is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Last year, budget retailer B&M was given the green light to demolish the Dobbies building and build its own store on the site. It is currently unclear when store bosses are set to move in, or if this event has derailed their plans.
B&M and SFRS have been approached for comment.
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