The owner of a Newtown business has praised firefighters and police officers for their bravery and quick response which “almost certainly saved the building from being completely destroyed”.

Police confirmed today (Wednesday, April 19) that four youths have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries as part of an investigation into suspected arson on the Mochdre Industrial Estate over the weekend.

Firefighters from across mid Wales rushed to put out the flames and some had to cut through the roof to bring the fire under control.

One of Powys’ most senior police officers Chief Inspector Jacqui Lovatt said the Schools for Supplies building had suffered “considerable” damage and officers are continuing to investigate what happened on Sunday afternoon (April 16).

No other businesses were caught up in the fire.

County Times:

Supplies for Schools CEO Ed Stovells said it is “too soon” to know how much the business has been affected by the fire but he did praise emergency service crews for their swift action.

“Their bravery and quick response to the emergency almost certainly saved the building from being completely destroyed.

“We would also like to thank the police for their quick response and assistance so far.

“I'm afraid the fire will certainly negatively impact business. We are unable to trade as normal today (Monday, April 17) and this will probably be the case for at least the next couple of days.

“However, it is too soon to know how negative that impact will be until we see the interior of the building and speak to our insurers etc.”

Supplies for Schools says it has for more than 15 years supplied thousands of education settings across the UK such as nurseries, schools, colleges and universities with furniture, ICT, office equipment, printer supplies, and stationary.