Go Outdoors, Colchester, won't re-open before Christmas

The shopfront of Go Outdoors in the Turner Rise Retail Park was severely damaged after a fire started outside last month.

Although the flames did not spread to the inside of the shop, panes of glass smashed as a result of the flames and smoke spread to the indoors.

A large amount of stock was smoke damaged and the shop has been closed ever since.

One man was arrested immediately after the incident by police but released on bail.

The 54-year-old old answered bail on Tuesday but has now been released without charge.

Police had appealed to find a second man but he has never been found.

Despite the original suspect being released, a spokesman for Essex Police confirmed the investigation was still live and they would welcome any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

In the hours after the blaze on November 22, police said they initially called to a disturbance between two men on the retail park and believed the fire had started in the immediate aftermath.

A spokesman for Go Outdoors – which specialises in camping gear, tents and outdoor clothing – confirmed the store would be closed until after the Christmas period.

He said: “Unfortunately, work is still taking place and it may not open before Christmas.

“We are trying everything we can to get it open as soon as possible.

“We’re doing a bit of work on the store after the fire occurred outside of it.”

The store opened at the popular retail park in October 2011 and took over a vacant unit which had been operated by garden centre company Focus until they went into administration.

It is thought the Go Outdoors employs approximately 40 members of staff at the Colchester store which also includes a specialist cycling section.

Anyone with information or who has dashcam footage from around the time of the incident is asked to contact Colchester CID on 101 quoting incident 41 of November 22.

Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.