A family-run haulage company has been almost put out of business after arsonists torched its fleet, destroying three trucks and five trailers.
Now Paul Cott says he is struggling to continue running his Spalding, Lincs-based haulage operation and his CV repair business after the attack in the early hours of Sunday 26 October.
Cott has been able to borrow a truck from another local haulier and is trying to find ways of servicing his customers' requirements while his insurance company estimates the damage caused to his business, Paul Cott Commercial Vehicle Repair and Transport. The fire also destroyed three containers, two of them full of clothing for supermarket Asda.
Cott is at a loss to understand who would target the firm he has built up with his wife and son over the past 25 years.
"I have no idea who would do it," he says. "The vehicles were insured, but insurance isn't the point. Our vehicles were in our own colours.
"I've had the insurance people round here every day since and I'm trying to run my commercial vehicle repair business at the same time. Everyone has been helpful in getting me back on the road."
Cott believes that whoever is responsible may never be caught.
Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact the police on 01522 532222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Year: 2020 | Body Type: Curtainsider | Cab Type: Sleeper | Registration: DK70 ZGX | Mileage: 30,637 km | Power: 220 bhp
Year: 2018 | Body Type: Block carrier | Registration: TRAILER | Category: Trailers | Make: Dennison
Year: 2019 | Body Type: Tractor unit | Cab Type: Sleeper | Registration: SB19 FZR | Category: Tractor units
