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Ramsgate man arrested on suspicion of arson after huge fire at Faversham Linen Services

A huge blaze at Faversham Linen Services. Picture: Eva Rush-Ryan
A huge blaze at Faversham Linen Services. Picture: Eva Rush-Ryan

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a huge fire gutted a Faversham laundry yesterday.

The 29-year-old, from Ramsgate, has been held by detectives over the blaze at Faversham Linen Services.

Kent Police today said the cause of the fire is still being investigated and the man has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Firefighters only left the scene of the fire, in Ashford Road, at shortly before 9am today after dealing with the blaze for almost 30 hours.

Smoke billows into the sky during a large fire at Faversham Linen Services
Smoke billows into the sky during a large fire at Faversham Linen Services

At its height, around 60 firefighters fought the flames using hosereels and jets to bring the fire at the commerical laundry under control.

Crews remained at the scene until this morning dealing with the remaining hotspots and debris from the fire.

It comes as Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service investigators continue to work to establish how the fire started.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Investigations continue into the fire at Faversham Linen Services to establish the cause of the ignition.

"A 29-year-old man from Ramsgate has been arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed to 31 July pending further enquiries."

Damage to Faversham Linen Services after a large fire
Damage to Faversham Linen Services after a large fire

Office workers have been relocated to Old Grain Store, in Brenley, as the linen company, which employs more than 100 people, begins to come to terms with the blaze.

Scorched computer servers were relocated and desks and PCs were made available for the laundry office staff in the wake of the disaster.

Engineers from the laundry's technical partners, Access IT, were also able to reinstate their computer system.

Yesterday, workers spoke of their shock at the blaze and how they intended to help the firm.

Staff member Stacy Peacock heard from his supervisor the building had gone up in flames - but still came to work to show support for the company.

He said: "My supervisor called and said don't come in today, the factory has been burnt to the ground.

"I have worked here for many years, this job is my livelihood. We are all here to support the family and the business in any way we can. It is a big blow."

Fire crews at the scene of the laundry blaze in Faversham
Fire crews at the scene of the laundry blaze in Faversham

Faversham Linen Services is a family-owned company established in 1898.

It provides commercial cleaning for firms including hotels, restaurants, shops and care homes across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and south London from its 23,000ft laundry.

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