A statement from the Office of the Deputy Governor said that the fire had forced the closure of several government departments including the Human Resources Management Unit, the Treasury, and Post Office.

A government statement later indicated that the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) and the Fire & Rescue Service are investigating the fire suspected to be the work of arsonists.

“RMPS officers discovered the fires while on routine patrol early Monday morning. Officers responded immediately by alerting the Fire Department. The preliminary investigation has revealed that both the Magistrate Court and High Court appear to have been “fire bombed” during the early morning hours of December 3,”said Acting Commissioner of Police Bradley Siddell.

“It appears that an accelerant was thrown into each building. Moderate damage occurred which has resulted in the closing of the Magistrate Court for today’s session. The High Court is presently adjourned. The investigation continues but as of yet no one is in custody and no persons have been charged,” Siddell said.

The statement said that efforts are now underway to have the Magistrate Court reconvene at an alternate location later this week and it urged anyone with information regarding the cause of the fire to call the authorities.

The cost of the damage caused by the fire has not been disclosed.

(Re-printed Caribbean360)