Coleraine businessman counts cost of devastating fire

THE owner of a Coleraine cash and carry business which was destroyed by fire last week, says he could never put a price on what he's lost.

An emotional Paul Henderson, speaking to The Coleraine Times, said that he was still coming to terms with the devastating blaze that gutted his premises at Loguestown Industrial Estate in the early hours of last Wednesday morning.

Paul himself suffered the effects of smoke inhalation after he tried to fight the ferocious fire and at one stage over 30 firefighters attended the scene.

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Police have confirmed that they are treating the blaze as suspicious.

"I got a call from the alarm company at 11.50pm, so me and my wife went down to the store," said Paul.

"I opened the door and I saw huge flames in the far corner. I rushed down with a fire extinguisher, but it was too late. I just shouted to my wife to call the fire brigade.

"I haven't slept since the fire, it's very hard to come to terms with this.

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"My staff are in trying to get things ready in another unit, which we use for a store. We just want to get back up and running again as soon as possible. But, at the minute I just can't go near the place, it's too painful.

"I had a huge amount of stock in the unit, the most I've ever had since I took over the business in April last year. Things were going so well.

"It's just frightening to think about what has been lost."

"Invoices and receipts for the stock are all gone, I've lost everything."

Paul, who worked for the previous owners of the cash and carry for some 20 years before taking over the business, says he has taken great comfort from the calls of support he has received: "It's been really comforting.

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"I've had so many calls and texts - people offering me shelving, premises and vans, I can't thank people enough for their kindness.

Paul also paid tribute to the Fire and Rescue Service, he said: "You really don't realise what these guys do until you see it first hand."

Police investigating the arson attack would like to speak to three males seen walking along the road around 11pm on Tuesday, June 15.

All three are believed to be in their late teens - one was wearing a baseball cap and carrying a bag. Anyone who could identify these persons is asked to contact Coleraine CID on 0845 600 8000.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

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