Reward Offered After £1.5m Arson

3 June 2011, 15:01 | Updated: 3 June 2011, 15:21

Beadlow businessman, Andrew Burton, has spoken of his horror at watching a fire sweeping through his premises at Top Farm in Shefford Road, Beadlow, causing around £1.5million worth of damage.

Mr Burton has now offered a very large reward for information.

The incident happened in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday (30 May 2011) at Thomas Bros Excavations destroying lorries, fuel and other equipment.

Bedfordshire Police detectives are investigating the fire. Detective Constable Amanda Durrant said, “Somebody has deliberately set fire to this property and caused a colossal amount of damage. We are treating the matter as arson and a full investigation is under way. I am appealing to anyone who knows who or why somebody would want to set fire to this business to contact me.”

Speaking of his heartache, Andrew Burton said, “This incident has affected my family, my staff and my friends. Seeing this massive amount of destruction has shocked me to the core and made me wonder why somebody would want to do this. But I am determined my business will recover and be back to normal very quickly.

“I am so moved by the fantastic support I am receiving. My staff are amazing and have been working hard to help us get back on track. The actual and very real help I have receiving from similar businesses to mine, my bank and other organisations makes me realise there are some wonderful people out there. I cannot thank them enough. And special thanks to my customers who are being really patient whilst we organise ourselves to get started again.    

“I am encouraging people to help the police appeals for witnesses by offering a £10,000 reward for information. It is not a hollow gesture. I will give this money to anyone meeting the police criteria for relevant information.”

Anyone who can help detectives should call DC Durrant at Dunstable CID on 01582 473325, the main switchboard on 01234 841212, text 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.