A MULTI-STOREY car park is to remain closed after vehicles caught fire and caused damage to the structure of the building. 

Two cars, a VW Polo and an Audi Q2, caught fire and were parked on different floors of the multi-storey car park in Old Orchard Road in Poole Quay. 

On Saturday, August 24, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWRFS) received a call at 4.30am to reports of the fire. 

BCP Council has said it is waiting for a specialist fire damage structural survey to come through, advising if any work will need to be done. 

Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s cabinet member for commercial operations, said: “Due to the vehicle fires that took place in the Quay visitors car park last weekend, we must keep the car park closed at this time, pending a specialist fire damage structural survey and any remedial work that needs to take place. 

“We ask that Quay visitors use one of the many alternative surface and multi storey car parks, and we will update as soon as we have further information.” 

Following enquiries, Dorset Police arrested a 32-year-old man from Poole on suspicion of arson but was released on police bail as officers continue their investigation. 

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: “[The vehicles] were 100 per cent damaged by fire and unfortunately, there was one vehicle on the first floor and one on the second floor of the car park.” 

Three fire crews from Poole attended the incident and extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets and two breathing apparatus. 

Hydraulic-cutting equipment was used to access the vehicles so police could identify them.