A MAN has been arrested and released as investigations continue into a suspicious fire that destroyed a Poole landmark motoring shop and garage.

The charred remains of the Motor World shop, formerly known as Charlie Browns, are likely to be demolished as a result of the devastating blaze.

Police arrested a Poole man aged in his 40s in the town around midnight on Wednesday as firefighters were still tackling the burning building. He was later released pending further enquiries.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed anything suspicious at the building immediately before the fire broke out to contact them.

Flames engulfed the premises sparking a major incident involving more than half Dorset's fire and rescue service resources.

As police and fire officers continued investigating the blaze yesterday morning some of the 12 workers employed at the store on the Nuffield Industrial Estate in Poole turned up to see the devastation left behind.

It was expected that the long-established store would close down at some stage in the near future to allow redevelopment of the site.

But it was trading as normal on Wednesday and had closed it doors to customers for the evening only 20 minutes before the fire broke out at around 8.20pm.

Det Sgt Ben Hargreaves of Poole CID appealed for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious at the premises before 8.30pm on Wednesday to get in contact.

Motor World operations manager Alan Oakes said: "The shop has been doing really well.

"If the building has to be demolished we will look to temporarily locate somewhere else in the town because in Poole we have enjoyed growth."

He added: "It is a major heartache. We have 250 stores in the country and some of the staff will probably go up to the Ringwood store to help out there."

The fire service took 45 calls from members of the public raising the alarm and it took 90 firefighters with 14 fire engines and two aerial appliances to bring the blaze under control.

Steve Mant, operations commander at Dorset Fire and Rescue, said the fire took hold quickly, indicating it may have started in more than one area of the building.

Exploding paint cans and fumes caused concern and led to residents in nearby Stinsford Road and Hatch Pond Road being advised to close their windows and stay indoors as a plume of smoke from the blaze drifted in their direction.

The fire reignited at the back of the building around 4.45am yesterday (August 19) and was put out for a second time by firefighters.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset police on 01202 222500 or the Crime-stoppers line 0800 555 111.

First published: August 20