Arson attack to blame for blaze at Tim Hortons restaurant in Sheffield - with smell of petrol detected

An arson attack was to blame for a blaze at a new restaurant in Sheffield which was due to open this summer.
By Claire Lewis
Published 13th May 2021, 14:14 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The fire at Tim Hortons, near Crystal Peaks, broke out during a storm on Tuesday, May 11, leading to speculation that it had been hit by lightning.

But an investigation into the cause of the blaze established that it was started deliberately.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the smell of petrol was detected at the doorway.

Fire at Sheffield Tim HortonsFire at Sheffield Tim Hortons
Fire at Sheffield Tim Hortons

Unconfirmed reports online suggested a petrol bomb had been thrown into the restaurant.

A police investigation has now been launched.

South Yorkshire Police said: “Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene and the fire was extinguished and the building made safe.

“It is believed that the fire was started deliberately. The premises were closed at the time and no one was injured.

The new Tim Hortons restaurant due to open in Sheffield this summer was set alight in an arson attackThe new Tim Hortons restaurant due to open in Sheffield this summer was set alight in an arson attack
The new Tim Hortons restaurant due to open in Sheffield this summer was set alight in an arson attack
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to locate those responsible.”

The restaurant will offer seating for 118 customers.

CRIME: Drugs worth £70,000 found by police in car parked on Sheffield street

LATEST: Teenage boy arrested over two shootings in Sheffield in same city street