Anna Regina CID office, unoccupied GDF building set on fire
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) located in the compound of the Anna Region Police Station and an unoccupied building at the Army Base Second Infantry Battalion at Maria’s Lodge on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were reportedly set on fire in the wee hours of Tuesday.
A section of the CID office after the fire
With respect to the fire at Maria’s Lodge, smoke was observed by neighbours emanating from the top flat of the building between 03:00h and 03:30h. This was followed by a blaze. However, public-spirited citizens formed a bucket brigade and were successful in putting out the fire before the fire tender arrived at the scene one hour later.
As a result of the blaze, fire officials have since confirmed that the interior of the building was destroyed. The police have since been called in and an investigation was launched. Guyana Times was informed that the building has no electricity supply.
On the other hand, the fire at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office reportedly started between 05:00h and 05:15h.
The unoccupied building at the Army Base Second Infantry Battalion that was set on fire
Based on reports gathered, a police constable was on compound duty when he observed smoke billowing from the Regional Detective Inspector’s Office, and as a result, the Guyana Fire Service was immediately summoned.
The fire tender promptly responded along with four firefighters who would have activated their firefighting mode. The fire was extinguished and an investigation was immediately launched.
During the preliminary investigation, it was observed that a louvre pane was removed from the window of the Regional Detective’s Office and was placed on the ground. Close checks also revealed that there was the stench of kerosene in the area. As a result of the fire, documents and office equipment were destroyed.
Up to press time, there were no arrests made in connection with the two fires.
One week ago, arson was attempted on the Suddie Magistrate’s Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The side of the unoccupied building where the fire started
It was reported that the fire was detected at about 05:00h on Wednesday last. After the fire was extinguished, investigators would have found several bottles with suspected kerosene at the scene.
Nevertheless, investigators said swift action by Police stationed in the area contained the blaze. Police have also said that what appeared to be a pile of kerosene-soaked paper was found on the Magistrate’s chair.
No one was arrested in that matter. (G-12)
