Robco marine fire: Suspected arson at Poole boat workshop

Fire crews called to tackle two fires at Robco Marine within hours of each other

Two fires that broke out within seven hours of each other at the same boat workshop are being treated as suspected arson.

Dorset Fire and Rescue and Dorset police have launched a joint investigation into the incidents at Robco Marine, the company that carries out gel coat, paint work and fibreglass moulding for Sunseeker.

“The fires are believed to be linked and are being treated as suspicious,” said a police spokesman.

The first fire broke out on Tuesday 20 June at 9:20pm and the second a few hours later in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Peter Burt, former Poole Harbour Commissioner at the scene and owner of the landmark building which housed Robco Marine, told the Bournemouth Echo that the incident was “deeply saddening – especially if someone has set a fire in a building that is widely known in Poole”.

“It’s just sad to think someone should feel vengeful to somebody [but] I don’t think it’s anything to do with us. People don’t know it’s ours particularly,” he added.

Four fire crews tackled the first blaze until 10.30pm and then had to return to the scene after the second alarm was raised by local residents at 2.30am. No one was hurt in either of the incidents.

Dorset Police are appealing for information and witnesses to contact them on 101 quoting incident 18:16.