Published: June 29, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea shopfront damaged in "suspicious" fire

Quick thinking by a doorman from a Burnham-On-Sea night club saved a High Street shop from major damage when an arsonist set fire to it during the early hours of Friday (June 29th).

Two Burnham fire crews rushed to S&A Linens in the High Street at 1.30am after reports that a canopy outside the shop had been set alight.

Burnham fire station officer Ian Hazelton told Burnham-On-sea.com: "Our crews arrived to find a doorman from Shakers Night Club had used a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze. His quick-thinking certainly avoided the fire spreading."

S&A Linens Manager Tony Scott told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The fire could have been a lot more serious had it not been for the doorman at Shakers whom we're very grateful for."

"As it is, the awning outside the shop was destroyed and our shop sign will need to be replaced, but it could have been a lot worse."

"We're still waiting to hear how much the final repairs will cost. In the meantime, it's business as usual."

He added: "It's very sad that incidents like this appear to be happening with increasing frequency in the town."

This year alone, Burnham-On-Sea.com has reported on two arson attacks on homes in the area, two attacks on Burnham Band Hut near King Alfred School, an attack on a barn at Berrow, and a smoke bomb attack on a High Street business.

Police are asking for witnesses to this latest incident to come forward by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Out photos show some of the damage to the shop after Friday's incident