Suspected arson as Owens Group warehouse destroyed

Image: Shutterstock

The police have arrested a 25-year-old local man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been taken to Brigend’s police station where he is being questioned.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, alongside South Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust Hazardous Area Response Team, attended the incident at Bridgend Industrial Estate on Friday 19 January at approximately 20.30hrs.

On arrival, crews were faced with a well-developed fire at a substantial commercial unit. Multiple appliances and crews attended and Firefighters worked throughout the night to bring the fire under control at approximately 08:00 hours on Saturday morning.

The building was safely evacuated and there are no reports of any injuries.

You can see drone footage of the site after the huge blaze on the BBC website – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-68040512

In a statement, Owens Group managing director Huw Owen, said: "The Family and all TeamOwens would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the businesses and people who have taken the time to send messages of support and offers of help. As you will appreciate, we are all very shocked and saddened by the events of Friday night.

"South Wales Police have arrested a 25-year-old local man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

"Owens Group would like to make it clear that the person being questioned is not an employee of Owens Group. We are continuing to cooperate fully with both South Wales Police and South Wales Fire Service in their ongoing investigation.

"Once again, we want to extend our massive appreciation to all the members of South Wales Fire Service who did a fantastic job of containing the fire and in doing so prevented even more businesses being impacted.

"The family would also like to reiterate our sincere apologies to everyone who has been affected by the fire, our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time."