Bracknell

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fire at a derelict building in Bracknell during the early hours of this morning (4/4).

An officer on patrol discovered the fire shortly before 2am at the 3M building, The Broadway, Bracknell.

Officers attended and a cordon was put in place which included a temporary road closure of The Ring.

The fire, which is believed to have started on the second floor and spread to the fifth floor, was quickly bought under control by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and a search of the building commenced. No-one was found inside the building.

Early investigations indicate that the fire was started deliberately by people who got in through an insecure window.

On Sunday 1 April, three youths were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage with intent to endanger life, following an incident at the same Bracknell building. A number of calls were received into the police control room after youths were seen throwing materials from the building around 5pm.

The teenagers were arrested and interviewed but later released without charge. This incident remains under investigation.

Ch Insp Simon Bowden, deputy LPA commander for Bracknell, said: “We are keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents are linked.

“In the past three days Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Fire and Rescue resources have spent a significant amount of time dealing with these two incidents.

“The selfishness and thoughtless actions of the perpetrators have not only placed them at risk, but also posed a serious risk to the public and emergency services.

“Police are working closely with the owners of the building, a development company, to ensure similar incidents do not recur. Someone will know who set this fire because they will brag about it, I will not tolerate foolish and mindless damage, especially when it places other people at risk of serious harm.

“If you have any information I ask that you make a stand and show you will not tolerate it either. Please contact the police or Crimestoppers with any information.”

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the 24-hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell