Arson attack on betting shop

Terrified workers at Bob Holmes betting shop were forced to flee, when a man believed to be a regular customer set the shop a blaze yesterday. 

A man who had been involved in a dispute over the betting machines at City Road, Sheffield, had supposedly set fire to a flammable liquid, he had poured over the counter of the shop where two women, Nicola Holmes and Sally Manning were working.

Bob Holmes Betting shop, photographed by Joanne Mascall

Nicola Holmes, 46, who works at the family run business, said: “I was shocked at first, but managed to shout at the man to find out what he was doing, but he ignored me and carried on pouring liquid up the walls and over the counter.”

“Me and my colleagues then panicked and ran out from behind the counter to the door, where we could see flames all around us.”

Her brother, Ben Holmes, who was also working in the back of the shop, said: “I saw my staff panicking and rang the police when I realised the man was dangerous and was going to set the shop on fire.”

“I am just glad everyone is safe and we all got out in time, as the shop went up in flames so quickly. We are lucky to have support from the locals, as they are already offering us help to clear up the mess caused by the fire.” 

The alleged incident happened yesterday at around 5.15pm. The bookies are hoping to open as soon as possible after refurbishment.

A South Yorkshire police spokesperson, said: “After investigating an alleged attack at the bookmakers, we have arrested a 49 year old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, he is in custody and enquiries will continue.”

Firefighters had been called out to a similar incident at the betting shop in 2008, for an alleged fire scare only to find that an alarm had been set off by an intruder. Police arrested a man, aged 33, on suspicion of burglary.