By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: Photos courtesy of the Clifton Courier. A blaze that tore through a major retail hub on Clifton’s main street is being treated as suspicious.
FORENSIC detectives were busy sifting through the rubble of 84 King St in Clifton this week.
They were searching for the cause of a suspicious fire that destroyed a business hub on Clifton’s main street during the early hours of Sunday, 3 June.
Clifton Police, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Warwick Police and CIB detectives from Toowoomba Police all converged on the blaze after the alarm was raised at about 3.45am.
The building had previously housed a real estate angency; and a natural therapy retailer; as well as a furniture store.
Police were also informed of a single resident living on-site.
A quick response from QFRS firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to neighbouring property, the Clifton Jam Factory, at 81 King St.
It took firefighters several hours to contain the blaze and the building was described as “beyond repair”, after the structure collapsed.
Warwick Police Senior Sergeant Stewart Day said the fire was being treated as suspicious and investigations were underway to determine the cause.
The site looks like a crime scene, with police tape cornering off the area to give officers the best chance of uncovering the cause.
Sen Sgt Day said police had no further comments in relation to the fire until such time as officers completed their investigation.
The building was owned by Clifton identity Gino Gomez and despite repeat attempts, Mr Gomez he was unavailable for comment.
Police were also appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Residents can contact Warwick Police on 4660 4444 or Crime Stopppers 1800 333 000.
