POLICE are investigating a blaze at a Purbeck industrial unit last week.

On Friday evening, fire tore through the Wareham workshop of motor parts firm Dorset Bikes, completely gutting the interior and bringing down the roof.

The following day fire and crime scene investigators were picking through the wreckage. Both services confirmed to the Echo that they were investigating, but neither would say if they were looking for evidence of arson.

Staff from the firm, in Johns Road backing onto the railway station, were at the scene on Saturday morning but declined to comment.

On Facebook the company posted an emotional message: "Fire has taken everything.

"As yet we are none the wiser as to the cause so we await the outcome of the investigation.

"All of the crew are stunned and numb to what has happened to our cracking little shop.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers and FB page followers for the kind comments on our page.

"Dorset BIKES Limited would like to make it clear that we have no intention of calling it a day and we plan to make a comeback.

"We place our faith in the system now and with luck on our side then the good guys will prevail."

Many customers left messages of support.

John Darbost wrote: "So sorry to see this, you guys are the only people I trust to work on my bike, gutted for you after all the hard work you have put into the shop but I know you will rise from the ashes bigger and better."

Wareham Railway Station was closed on Friday night as firefighters battled the flames, although as the fire was brought under control trains began to pass through the station without stopping.

At the peak of the blaze there were eight fire engines on the scene, as well as support vehicles.

The burned unit is also home to Plumbing & Heating Supplies, which does not seem to have sustained any significant damage.