Post Office in Central Milton Keynes closed after deliberate fire

The Post Office in Central Milton Keynes has been closed after a deliberate fire yesterday (10/06).

Fire and police crews were called to the Post Office on Midsummer Boulevard around 3:30pm yesterday, with fire reported at the site.

The closure has come after police reported that a man initially threatened staff at the Post Office before returning with a petrol can, poured fuel on the counter of the shop and then set it alight.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident, which was put out by attending fire crews.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue confirmed 8 crews, including some from Bedfordshire, attended the blaze. They revealed the shop was damaged with smoke logging reported in adjacent stairwells and flats connected to the Post Office’s retail unit.

In a statement, the fire service said, “Firefighters were called to a fire in a retail unit on the ground floor of a six-storey building. Smoke was issuing on arrival. Fire had damaged the retail unit with smoke logging to adjacent stairwells and flats above.

“Firefighters isolated the electrics to the premises. Cordons were put in place for scene safety and managed by Thames Valley Police. Firefighters remained on scene to clear light smoke logging in common areas of flats.”

Further inspections were carried out by the fire service this morning (11/06).

Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement to the BBC that a 47-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of arson regarding the incident and that officers are appealing for witnesses to get in touch.

It is as yet unknown when the Post Office may re-open, with the branch to remain closed until a later date. The Post Office confirmed in their own statement that staff on duty when the incident happened have been offered support.

Post Office branches elsewhere in Milton Keynes remain open, with the Post Office highlighting branches in Bletchley, Coffee Hall, Eaglestone, Netherfield and Shenley Church End remain open for people who have a requirement to visit one.

Drop and collect options for pre-paid parcels are also available from branches in Bradwell Common and Conniburrow.