THE owner of a custom motorcycle business severely destroyed in a blaze has confirmed the fire was deliberately lit.

Jason Hure said he and his team at Jason’s Garage were left “nothing short of devastated’’ after his Thornton business went up in flames on Monday.

”It has been confirmed by early investigations that the fire was deliberately lit,’’ Mr Hure said.

“It is painful to think that someone would do this maliciously.

“They haven't just hurt [wife] Lauren and myself but also our entire team, their families, our customers and friends.

“Jason's Garage isn't just a bike shop it's a family.’’

Mr Hure said the support they had received was overwhelming and vowed to “get through this”.

EARLIER:

DETECTIVES are investigating a suspicious fire which has destroyed parts of a popular Thornton custom motorcycle business and damaged an unknown number of machines.

Six fire crews were needed to help extinguish the fire which ripped through two industrial units of Jason’s Garage on Huntingdale Road about 4am on Monday.

A front office was destroyed while motorcycles stored at the business were also damaged.

Fire crews were able to contain the blaze to the two industrial units, which both belonged to the motorcycle business.

Central Hunter detectives have been called in to investigate.

An employee, who did not wish to be named, said they got a call from the owner at 5am saying “just get here”.

“We're gutted. We just want to appeal to the public, anyone with information to come forward and contact Maitland police,’’ the employee said.

“Nothing's confirmed... We have no disagreements with anyone we're aware of. But the business has grown big thanks to lots of support. So maybe jealousy. But I won't speculate.’’

The employee said the business had turned into a “one-man-band’’ three years ago to now employing at least seven people.

“People appreciate our work,’’ he said.

“We deal with a lot of people so it's hard to keep everybody happy. But I won't speculate.’’

More to come