Police treat large town centre blaze as deliberate

A large fire which led to the closure of roads and businesses in the centre of Kilmarnock is being treated as deliberate by police.

Fire crews were called to a “well developed” fire in a four-storey commercial building in King Street just before 9pm on Monday, which then spread to other premises.

Two fire engines and a high reach appliance were initially sent to the scene and were then joined by another four appliances.

As of 8.30pm on Tuesday, SFRS said it still had one appliance and one height appliance at the scene.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the four-storey building has partially collapsed and two appliances and specialist resources are at the scene to make the area safe.

There are no reports of any injuries and emergency services remained at the scene late on Tuesday afternoon.

The force said a number of roads in the area have been closed and several business premises will remain shut.

Local area commander Chief Inspector Scott McCurdy said: “This was a large fire and I would like to thank our emergency service colleagues for their help throughout the night.

“We understand the impact this fire has had on local businesses and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we carry out our inquiries.

“We are treating the fire as deliberate and our investigation is ongoing.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dashcam or private CCTV which could assist us to get in touch.”

Police said King Street remains closed to the junction with St Marnock Street and Sandbed Lane also remains closed.