WALTON HIGHWAY: Businessman offers �5,000 reward after shop is demolished by arsonists

Story by: TOM JACKSON ARSONISTS wrecked a Fenland aquatic centre leaving a trail of devastation as fish and reptiles perished. The blaze has left the owners terrified of someone out there having a grudge against us and they asked for their names not to

Story by: TOM JACKSON

ARSONISTS wrecked a Fenland aquatic centre leaving a trail of devastation as fish and reptiles perished.

The blaze has left the owners terrified of "someone out there having a grudge against us" and they asked for their names not to be used.

However so alarmed are they by the blaze, which destroyed Pondworld Aquatics at Walton Highway, they are offering a �5,000 reward to find the culprits.

All that remains of the Lynn Road premises are some fish and reptiles; most of the animals were killed and shelves of stock are now a charred ruin.

Demolition of the 10-metre by 30-metre wooden shop has begun and will be rebuilt over the next few months.

In a statement to the Wisbech Standard the owners said: "We are offering a �5,000 reward for the conviction of whoever started the fire.

"Two people were caught running away from the shop on CCTV at about 1.50am and the alarm at my house started ringing at 2.15pm.

"We managed to save a few fish and a few reptiles, but most of them were killed.

"We're devastated and we will be closed for months."

Twenty firefighters - from Wisbech, Outwell and West Walton - were called to the blaze shortly after the alarm sounded in the early hours of Sunday.

Neighbouring businesses - including a dog grooming parlour and car sales - were unaffected. Pondworld Aquatics opened at the Lynn Road site four-and-a-half years ago.

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman it appears the fire was started outside the shop before spreading.

CONTACT: Police on 0845 456 4567.