Trust ' determined to save what we can' after Poltimore fire

We've been hearing from the charity trying to save the building, which dates back to the 1550s

Fire crews were called to the scene
Author: Andrew KayPublished 10th Apr 2024

After a fire that devastated a historic building in Devon yesterday, the owners say they're determined to save what they can.

The Grade II* Poltimore House, near Exeter, suffered severe damage in a fire that police think may have been started deliberately.

Peter Totterdill, chair of the Poltimore House Trust, says although it's very upsetting, all is not quite lost, adding: "We still have our lovely grounds.

"We have an absolutely wonderful cafe which will reopen as soon as we can. We're a charity, we're absolutely dedicated to making this place somewhere for the whole community to enjoy."

A police spokesperson said: "Officers were notified of the fire overnight between Monday 8 April and Tuesday 9 April and later requested to attend by the fire service.

"The incident is being treated as a suspected arson and police are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the fire to contact them

"Please contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50240083403"

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