Local businesses rally to support agent after theft and arson attack

An estate agent in Newcastle upon Tyne, whose office was the target of arsonists, has resuscitated his business after the kindness of local companies.

Tony Fairs, owner of Fairs Estates at Fenham, thought he would have to close his agency permanently after thieves raided and set light to his office. Some £1,000 in cash plus two desktop computers and one lap-top were stolen from the office before the fire started.

A statement from Northumbria Police says: “At 12.35am on January 7 we had reports of a flat fire. We closed the road due to the smoke. The fire service also attended. There was nobody injured. We are working with Tyne and Wear Fire Service to determine how the fire started and enquiries are still ongoing.”

However, the Newcastle Chronicle reports that within a matter of hours, £2,000 had been pledged to him by local businesses which knew of his plight via social media. 

“When it happened, I was devastated. It’s unbelievable how much help I have had. Past customers and clients have popped in to see me and help. Even competitors have been in touch to lend support. This is the business community coming together and it means it’s just going to be a set back, not the end of the world like I first thought” he told the paper.

You can see the article and photographs of the damage here.