A FIRE which ravaged through the back of a Kilwinning barber shop was started deliberately after someone set alight a fibreglass tree.

The back of Frew’s barbers on Howgate in the town centre was engulfed in flames on Friday, November 28. 

Owner Alan Frew was caught up in the blaze whilst mid-cut with a customer. They both had to flee from the building. Thankfully no one was injured.

The barber said: “The fires went up fast and out of control before someone saw it.

“The fire brigade have dealt with the fire and are undergoing checks to the building.”

But Alan has told the Times that the blaze was started from a fibreglass tree belonging to Rainbow Nursery, which is owned by his dad Jim Frew. 

Alan added: “It looks like someone set a fire to the old fibreglass tree that Rainbow Nursery used.

“It’s been unused and stored out back of my shop.” 

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the scene with an onlooker capturing footage which showed the extent of the fire.

The fumes pouring from the scene were spotted right across the town.

Four fire appliances were needed as crews worked to put out the flames. 

A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: “We were alerted at 12.32pm on Friday, November 27 to reports of a fire within a two-storey building on Main Street, Kilwinning, North Ayrshire.

“Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and crews currently remain in attendance as they work to extinguish the flames.

“There are no reported casualties.”

Police have launched a probe into the deliberate fire and are checking nearby CCTV footage. 

Officers were called to the scene around 12.50pm and are asking for help from the public as part of their investigation. 

Detective Constable Ross Keenan of Saltcoats Police Station said: “This fire has caused significant damage and we have been carrying out enquiries in the area and gathering local CCTV footage to find out more detail for our investigation.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time who witnessed anything suspicious, or who has any information to contact Saltcoats Police Station through 101 quoting reference number 1241 of November 27.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”