Fire at abandoned shopping centre in Ayr being treated as 'deliberate'

A fire which broke out at an abandoned shopping centre in Ayr is being treated as deliberate, police have confirmed.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Kyle Shopping Centre following reports of smoke coming from the unused building just after 6pm on Thursday.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.10pm on Thursday, October 8, to reports of a fire affecting a building on High Street in Ayr.

“Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and a high reach appliance to the area, and the fire was extinguished.

“There were no reported casualties, and crews left the scene at 8.39pm after ensuring the area was safe.”

A police cordon was placed around the building, with several streets inaccessible, including Alloway Street and Dalblair Street.

Police have now confirmed the fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “Around 6.35pm on Thursday, October 8, police were called to assist Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a fire in the Alloway Street area of Ayr.

“There were no injuries reported.

“The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.”