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'Suspicious' workshop blaze causes road evacuation
THIS is the devastation left by a workshop fire which police are treating as suspicious.
The back garden shed, in Dorchester Waye, Hayes, was destroyed by the blaze, which started just before midnight on Thursday last week.
People had to be evacuated from surrounding homes, and a 200metre safety zone was set up after fire crews were informed that there were two gas cylinders in the workshop.
Firefighters from Southall station attended, and used thermal imaging cameras to ensure that the tanks were kept cool. They had the fire under control by 3am.
The garage contained tools and materials belonging to retired plumber John Holding, 65, who said he was 'devastated'.
"Some of the gear in there I had since I was a trainee. Some people have no sense of moral conscience, and they don't fear the punishment."
He was grateful for his neighbours' support, and also praised the firefighters' work.
"There wasn't a word of complaint from anybody, and everyone has been really supportive.
"Those gas cylinders could have taken out all the windows in the houses nearby, and it's all down to the skill and the courage of the firemen who made sure that didn't happen."
Mr Holding added that thousands of pounds worth of metal fittings were stolen during a break-in three weeks earlier. He didn't report the theft to police.
"I don't think there's a plumber in the district who hasn't been broken into.
"We are always going to have scrap metal lying around."
Police are investigating. If you can help them with their enquiries, call 020 8246 1447.
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