FIREFIGHTERS and police in Chippenham are urging businesses on the Bumpers Farm industrial estate to tighten up security after two arson attacks in three weeks.

Crime prevention advice has intensified after a blaze at a computer firm caused £250,000 worth of damage.

The fire brigade were called out to Advanced Digital Technology, Cavalier Court, in the early hours of Sunday morning after a wheelie bin, which had been pushed against a door, was set alight.

Flames had already worked into the building when the firefighters arrived.

Efforts to tackle the blaze were hampered when the fire moved into a service cupboard with a live electrical and gas intake.

It took four-and-a-half hours to put it out once the gas and electricity board had turned off the supply.

Station officer Julian Parsons said: "If there is a high voltage current we can't go in firing water around."

Two rooms suffered extensive fire and smoke damage but nobody was injured.

Three weeks ago, Arsonists also targeted Linkspan Interiors Ltd, which is in the same area as the computer firm. Again, a wheelie bin was set alight but flames did not cause the same extent of damage.

Investigating officers are keeping an open mind on whether the two incidents are linked and want to speak to four teenagers who were hanging around the area just before the second arson attack.

PC Ian Lansdown said: "This fire caused around £250,000 worth of damage. It was serious," he said.

"It was lucky no one was injured on this occasion but obviously fires can be very dangerous.

"We are keen to speak to four male youths who bought food from a kebab van on the estate. They may be able to assist us with information."

Phil Crook, the managing director of Advanced Digital Technology, said he was extremely upset when he saw the extent of the devastation.

"I didn't realise it was a fire to start with," he said. "I was called out because the alarm went off.

"I saw the fire when I arrived.

"I was really disappointed and aggrieved to think someone could have done this."

The company, which supplies computer hardware and software, as well as providing maintenance and support, has operated for 20 years and employs 12 people.

Staff are now working from temporary premises on the industrial estate while 5,000 square feet of office space is repaired.

Anyone with information can contact PC Lansdown on (01793) 856603.