Latest news with #NikyBrown
Sky News
6 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Police investigating deliberate fire that tore through Kilmarnock shops
Why you can trust Sky News A tattoo shop owner has said his team has been "left with nothing" but will "bounce back" after a devastating fire tore through a number of town centre stores. Police are treating the blaze in Kilmarnock's King Street as wilful and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. No one was injured, but a number of businesses have been impacted by the destruction. The four-storey building partially collapsed, with East Ayrshire Council confirming parts of the listed property will need to be demolished "as a matter of urgency" to allow for recovery works and further assessments. Hard Luck Tattoo had only opened within the building in June. Speaking to Sky News, owner Niky Brown said he's still not allowed near the premises as emergency efforts continue. Mr Brown said: "Insurance could take a number of years to pay out because it's a police matter, I've been told by one of my friends. So, basically, I'm running at zero now. "Sixteen years I've been working and saving money to buy that place. I bought the place - it was a dream thing for me to do - but now we're left with nothing. "But I've got a lot of good friends in the area, and they've been helping me out. We've been away viewing a couple of properties this morning. "They're all saying that they're going to give me it for free until I can find my feet, which is amazing." While there were no reports of injuries, other businesses that have been forced to close include Project Pop Up Scotland and Bonmarche. Mr Brown said: "When I first saw the fire, my first thought was 'who's in the building?' "That was the main concern for me because there's other boys in the building." Mr Brown has set up a fundraiser to help the shop's team of eight get back up and running ahead of any potential insurance payout. The GoFundMe has raised more than £27,000. Mr Brown described Kilmarnock as a "community-driven place to live" and thanked all those who have shown support. He said: "I've never really asked for anything in my life, I've always done things myself. I did feel a little bit embarrassed asking." Mr Brown hopes the team will be able find a suitable premises and quickly get back to inking. He added: "It's bricks and mortar. We'll bounce back - we always do." Emergency crews were alerted to the fire in King Street shortly before 9pm on Monday. At the height of the blaze, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) mobilised six appliances and specialist resources. A single appliance along with specialist resources remain at the scene as efforts continue to make the area safe. Surrounding roads were closed after the alarm was raised and Scottish Water warned local customers of potential disruption to their supplies with fire crews working in the area. Police Scotland said the blaze is being treated as wilful. Chief Inspector Scott McCurdy said: "We are treating the fire as deliberate and our investigation is ongoing. "I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious to contact us. "I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dashcam or private CCTV which could assist us to get in touch." Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, thanked the efforts of the emergency services as he announced a recovery fund would be implemented to support local businesses affected. Separate support focusing on strategic engagement will also be provided to national chains and larger employers. Councillor Reid said he "saw first-hand the scale of the disaster unfolding", adding: "It breaks my heart to say that regrettably parts of this listed building will need to be demolished as a matter of urgency to allow other recovery works to be progressed and further assessments continuing thereafter." The local authority leader said the loss of Bonmarche had raised concerns over job losses, reduced footfall and the longer-term recovery of the town centre. He added: "For now several local businesses are unable to trade due to safety concerns and road closures, and some have lost stock or incurred operational disruption. "Several small businesses have been forced to close at short notice, with no clear indication of when they will be able to reopen. "We won't know the full extent of the damage until business owners can regain access to their properties, and for some, this could result in a critical loss of income and jeopardise their ability to continue to trade."
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Horror fire that ripped through stores in Scots town centre treated as wilful as cops hunt culprits
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE blaze that destroyed several buildings in a busy Scottish town centre was started deliberately, sparking a police hunt. Emergency crews raced to Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock last night after a four-storey building was torched at around 9.30pm. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A four-storey building was set on fire last night Credit: PA 6 Crews raced to the burning building in Kilmarnock last night Credit: PA 6 Crews have remained at the scene today Credit: John Kirkby A ferocious blaze was seen ripping through several buildings after flames spread to other nearby premises. Eight fire engines were scrambled to tackle the blaze, and police shut down surrounding roads. Firefighters were still on the scene this morning as they worked to extinguish the blaze. Luckily, no one was injured in the fire. However, several businesses are feared to have been destroyed by the flames. Police have now confirmed the blaze is being treated as deliberate, and officers have launched a hunt for the people who started it. The force said they are treating the fire as wilful and said that enquiries are ongoing. The full town is ruined. About 30+ people have lost their livelihoods businesses, etc, mine included. Pretty much spent my life savings opening that place Niky Brown Tattoo Artist Detectives have said that a number of streets will remain closed as crews remain at the scene. King Street remains closed to the junction with St Marnock Street, and Sandbed Lane is also shut. Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Scott McCurdy said: 'This was a large fire and I would like to thank our emergency service colleagues for their help throughout the night. 'We understand the impact this fire has had on local businesses and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we carry out our enquiries. Major motorway closed after lorry fire sparking huge delays for thousands of drivers 'We are treating the fire as deliberate, and our investigation is ongoing. 'I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious to contact us. 'I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dash cam or private CCTV which could assist us to get in touch. "Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of 14 July, 2025." Shock pictures show huge plumes of smoke billowing from the building. The shop was badly affected by the fire and a lot of uncertainties come with this cruel act... We can't begin to think what our futures look like from here Employee of a Bonmarche store Locals looked on in horror and took out their phones to film the inferno as firecrews raced to the scene. Local business Niky Brown Tattoo Artist spoke of their devastation after their business was affected by the huge blaze. They wrote online: "Woke up thinking all of that was a dream last night. "Reality has hit today. Can't believe someone went out of their way and burned down not only my tattoo shop but all the other businesses on King Street too. "The full town is ruined. About 30+ people have lost their livelihoods businesses, etc, mine included. STREET INFERNO Earlier today, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said six six appliances as well as two specialist appliances were deployed to the scene. A spokesperson said: "We received reports at 8.58pm of a fire to the rear of one of the commercial buildings on King Street, Kilmarnock. "We initially mobilised two appliances and specialist appliances. "We currently have six appliances as well as two specialist appliances in attendance." East Ayrshire Council also urged the public to avoid the area after saying the fire was "still burning" this morning. A spokesperson commented: "King Street Kilmarnock will remain closed today following a fire last night. "Shops and businesses in the street will be unable to open as emergency services require access since the fire is still burning. "Surrounding roads have reopened. More updates will follow." "Pretty much spent my life savings opening that place." The tattoo artist has launched an online fundraiser saying "We've lost everything". Elsewhere, a Bonmarche store, which also sits on the burned-out block, was also badly damaged by the huge flames. An employee wrote online: "The shop was badly affected by the fire and a lot of uncertainties come with this cruel act. "This was many of our livelihoods and a place we all enjoyed to be. "We can't begin to think what our futures look like from here." Residents have been warned to keep their windows closed while crews deal with the blaze. 6 Six appliances and two specialist appliances were deployed to the scene Credit: Alamy 6 Officers received reports of the blaze at around 9.30pm
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Scotsman
7 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Police Scotland Ayrshire said: 'Around 9.30pm on Monday, 14 July, 2025, we received a report of a fire at a premises on Sandbed Street, which spread to other premises. There are no reported injuries a
Drone footage shows a large fire in a Scottish town centre, where emergency services are in attendance. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Aerial footage shows a large fire in Kilmarnock. Emergency services were alerted to the fire at around 21:30 on June 14. Police Scotland Ayrshire ask members of the public to avoid the area Police Scotland Ayrshire said: 'A number of road closures remain in place following a fire in Kilmarnock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Around 9.30pm on Monday, 14 July, 2025, we received a report of a fire at a premises on Sandbed Street, which spread to other premises. 'There are no reported injuries and emergency services remain in attendance. 'King Street is closed up to its junction with St Marnock Street and Sandbed Lane remains closed. A number of surrounding roads leading to King Street and Sandbed Lane were closed but have since reopened. Firefighters working to extinguish the fire in Kilmarnock. 'Nearby business premises have been impacted and will remain closed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time, and nearby residents are asked to keep windows closed. 'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.' East Ayrshire Council say 'Shops and businesses in the street [King Street] will be unable to open as emergency services require access since the fire is still burning' East Ayrshire Council said: 'King Street Kilmarnock will remain closed today following a fire last night. Shops and businesses in the street will be unable to open as emergency services require access since the fire is still burning. Surrounding roads have reopened.' Tattoo shop owner says he's lost everything in the fire A number of businesses have reportedly been destroyed in the fire, including the Hard Luck Tattoo shop. Owner Niky Brown says he has lost everything in the fire and has set up a GoFundMe page. Lillian Jones MP thanks the emergency services for their 'swift response and dedication throughout the night' Lillian Jones MP said: 'My thoughts are with everyone affected by the serious fire on King Street in Kilmarnock last night. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'm incredibly grateful to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland for their swift response and dedication throughout the night. Emergency services remain on site, and investigations are ongoing.
The National
7 days ago
- Business
- The National
Roads closed and businesses affected by Kilmarnock fire
The blaze erupted at the back of a four-storey building on King Street, and surrounding roads remain closed as drivers and pedestrians are urged to avoid the area. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident around 8:55pm, and no injuries have been reported as of yet with enquiries ongoing to establish the cause of the fire. READ MORE: Man hospitalised after campervan explosion in Highlands beauty spot King Street and Sandbed Lane remain shut with surrounding roads leading to the area also closed off as services continue to tackle the blaze. Several businesses have been affected and remain closed, including Burns Mall. Speaking to STV News, the owners of a tattoo studio destroyed in the incident said they have 'lost everything'. Hard Luck Tattoo Studio, which reopened in June after a year of renovations, was ruined by the fire, leaving owners Niky Brown and Kirsty Donald as well as their eight staff members without their livelihoods. The couple, who have a 3-month-old child, described the fire as something out of a "Hollywood film". A GoFundMe has been launched and has already received £13,000 in donations to replace some of the studio's kit, worth upwards of £50,000. READ MORE: Police hunt motorcycle trio who fled crash after teenager seriously injured A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said to the outlet: 'We were alerted at 8.58pm on Monday, July 14, to reports of a fire to the rear of a commercial building on King Street, Kilmarnock. 'At its height, operations control mobilised six appliances and specialist resources to the scene of a well-developed fire affecting a four-storey building, which partially collapsed. 'There are no reported casualties. 'Two appliances and specialist resources remain at the scene as they work to make the area safe.'
STV News
7 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Tattoo studio owners 'lose everything' after fire destroys four-storey building
The owners of a tattoo studio destroyed by a fire in Kilmarnock have said they have 'lost everything'. Six fire engines and two specialist units were sent to the well-developed fire at a four-storey building on King Street around 9pm on Monday. Emergency services remain on the scene of the fire that spread to a number of premises. Hard Luck Tattoo Studio opened in the town centre building in June after a year of renovations. Owner Niky Brown told STV News that he and partner Kirsty Donald, 30, have 'lost everything', including equipment worth £50,000 to £60,000. Over a dozen tattoo artists have also had their livelihoods destroyed. A fundraiser to help the team has already raised over £13,000. The 37-year-old business owner admitted he had 'tears in his eyes' watching the fire take hold. Forever Young/Supplied Fire destroys four-storey building 'We've lost everything. We have a three-month-old, too. 'We're just a small business, we've only eight other staff', he said. 'We've lost around £50,000 worth of equipment. Tattoo machines are expensive. 'I had tears in my eyes, to be honest, I've never seen anything like that in my life, it was something from a Hollywood film.' Police say investigations into the cause of the fire, which caused the building the collapse, are ongoing. The town's Burns Mall has been closed, and members of the public have been urged to avoid the area as emergency services remain on the scene. There have been no reports of any injuries, something Niky said he can be grateful for. 'That's the scary thing, one of the boys was meant to work, but I told him not to work. Thankfully, he didn't. 'My livelihood has been destroyed, but I'm grateful no one has been hurt.' STV News King St fire: Niky Brown said his livelihood has been 'destroyed'. A GoFundMe has been launched and also already raised over £13,000 to help replace the tattoo equipment and allow staff to return to work. 'I just want to say thank you very much from everyone in the town and surrounding areas, hopefully I can get the equipment back and get back open soon. 'Take care and appreciate what you have. Might be gone tomorrow', he added. You can donate to the GoFundMe here. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: 'We were alerted at 8.58pm on Monday, July 14, to reports of a fire to the rear of a commercial building on King Street, Kilmarnock. 'At its height, operations control mobilised six appliances and specialist resources to the scene of a well-developed fire affecting a four-storey building, which partially collapsed. 'There are no reported casualties. 'Two appliances and specialist resources remain at the scene as they work to make the area safe.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
