00:04Arson is suspected as the TTPS launched an investigation into a major fire which destroyed
00:11an estimated 20 million TT dollars worth of insulated copper cable and left one firefighter
00:18hospitalized on Saturday. In a statement, the police service says the fire was reported to
00:24them around 10 25 p.m. and involved telecommunications cables including highly
00:31combustible insulated copper cable which was stored within the compound. The Trinidad
00:36and Tobago Fire Service responded with firefighting resources mobilized from
00:41several police stations supported by the Water and Sewage Authority, the Ministry of
00:46Works and Transport and other agencies. One fire officer sustained superficial burns
00:52and smoke inhalation while battling the blaze. The TTPS says the fire service has since
00:59advised that the fire was brought under control around 7 35 a.m. on Sunday while
01:05efforts to fully extinguish it continued. From midnight to early morning a team of
01:11police officers led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Suzette Martin
01:16supported by multiple units and the Defense Force conducted operations in
01:22Beatham, Laventhal and surrounding areas. As a result, three people are now assisting with
01:28their inquiries. DCP Martin says, quote, we take this incident extremely seriously. Any
01:35deliberate act that threatens lives, damages critical infrastructure or places emergency
01:41responders at risk is unacceptable. We will pursue all available investigative avenues to
01:48establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and bring those responsible to justice,
01:54end quote. The TTPS is reassuring residents and the wider public that the matter is receiving the
02:01necessary investigative and operational attention. The police is encouraging people who may have
02:07witnessed suspicious activity in the vicinity of the TSTT compound on Saturday evening or who have
02:14information which may assist the investigation to contact the Bessau Street Police Station at 623-1395 or call 555-999
02:28or 800-TIPS. All information the TTPS underscores will be treated in the strictest confidence.
02:37Cindy Raghuban, Tika Singh, TV6 News.
