FIRE investigators believe a blaze which ripped through a Pinehurst shop was started deliberately.

Onlookers who crowded the Pinehurst Circle on Thursday night spoke of their shock as the One Stop shop roof collapsed inwards. A fish-and-chip shop and hair salon either side of the convenience store remained shut on Friday.

Police are treating the fire as a crime and have appealed for witnesses.

More than 40 firefighters from across Wiltshire battled the blaze. 999 crews received the call-out at 7.30pm.

Shoppers said the fire, which is believed to have been started in pallets at the back of the store, spread within minutes.

Leah Wheatley, 25, from North Swindon, was buying dinner in neighbouring fish and chip shop Pinehurst Fisheries. She said: “A guy came into the shop and said three times there was a fire. We went round the back. It was a small fire then, but it went up in minutes.

“The firefighters were here very quickly.”

Sally Franklin, 52, from North Swindon, was also in the chip shop with her family: “It took about five minutes for the fire to spread. When the roof collapsed, the fire spread extremely fast. That was quite shocking.”

Firefighters spent the night damping down and checking the shop fire had not spread to neighbouring properties.

Group Manager Kathy Collis of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Swift actions of the initial fire crews saved the possessions of the families living either side of the One Stop and the livelihoods of the businesses.”

She praised shop staff in raising the alarm and evacuating the store: “They did exactly what we tell people to do: get out and stay out.”

Yesterday, residents spoke of their shock at the fire. Gina Garlick, 36, said: “It’s devastating, absolutely tragic. It’s a really new building and everybody was so pleased when that place was built.”

Naomi Peachey, 22, of Pinehurst, added: “It’s insane. A fire like that is not something I’ve ever experienced before. Within five minutes the shop roof caved in.”

Police are treating the fire as suspected arson. Det Con Stephanie England said: “As part of our ongoing investigation we are really keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of The Circle last night between 7.15pm and 7.45pm and saw any suspicious activity near to the store, especially to the rear.

“We are aware that there were people nearby when the fire started and we understand some of these people may have filmed or taken photos of the incident. If you have footage which could help our investigation, please get in touch.”

To report any information about the arson attack, call Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting crime number 54180064482, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.