Investigations into the fire that damaged First Citizens Bank’s Princes Town branch two weeks ago revealed it was maliciously set. The T&T Guardian learned that the Southern Division Fire Prevention Unit confirmed the arson attack on the bank.
This was further supported by a forensic expert, who told police the criminal(s) cut through the burglar proof gate and door at the back of the building to gain entry. Sources also said the disc for the video recording system was also removed.
A police team, co-ordinated by Supt Pragg and including Insp Don Gajadhar and investigator Cpl Neil Nanan, met with experts in Princes Town yesterday.
They are yet to confirm the accelerant used to set the fire as investigations are ongoing.
On July 17, a passer-by contacted the Princes Town Fire Station around 4.30 am, alerting them to smoke that was coming from the bank on High Street. Firefighters broke through the front door and put out the blaze on the ground floor before it could spread to other parts of the building.
Fire prevention officers said it was started in a cubicle in what was called the operation area. FCB’s general manager of retail and commercial banking, Robin Lewis, said the staff of over 30 would have been redeployed to other branches.