Car repair shop staff devastated by "nightmare" fire

Flames ripped through Hyams Autos on Malmesbury's High Street in the early hours of Saturday morning, damaging several cars and causing the roof to collapse.

Five fire engines stayed at the scene for hours while crews braved the flames and smoke to ensure no-one was inside the workshop or the flats above.

Now that the fire has been put out and the road reopened, the business' owner Paul Hyams and his team face the difficult task of recovering from this terrible setback.

A Hyams Autos spokesman posted on Facebook: "Please bear with us as we sort through this absolute nightmare. We will be in touch as soon as we can if you have appointments with us.

"We have had a fire and yes we are absolutely devastated. In 47 years, we have never had anything like this happen ever.

"It's a terrible shock but we are also feeling very grateful at the same time. We are so very grateful no one was hurt.

"We are extremely grateful to Wiltshire fire brigade that acted quickly and stopped the fire from spreading.

"We are grateful that the flats and businesses next to us are okay. We are extremely grateful to everyone that has reached out to us in the community the businesses that have offered us help and support the messages we have received it all means so much .

"Thank you for your kindness.

"And lastly, we are extremely grateful for our amazing staff who have all helped and supported Paul so much."

Hyams, established in 1977, had around 100 vehicles in stock before the early-hours blaze began.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated. 
An aerial view of the fire’s aftermath. Picture: Orrin Jewell (Image: Orrin Jewell)