POLICE are probing a major blaze in Melrose which destroyed an estate agent’s offices.

The premises of Macpherson Property were targeted at around 10pm on Saturday night.

And police are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

It is believed a plant pot had been thrown through a front window of the building before the offices were torched.

The two-storey premises in St Dunstans Lane was gutted by the flames, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Jamie Macpherson from Macpherson Property told us: “The entire premises are a write off.

“Nobody was injured which is the main thing.

“We are talking about months rather than weeks before we’ll be able to move back in.” Macpherson Properties is one of the leading high-end estate agents in the Borders.

Although computer equipment and office furnishing were destroyed in the fire, Mr Macpherson is confident his business can continue almost as normal. He added: “In this age of technology we can continue operating.

“We won’t have a physical office for some time but we will work from home.” Two fire crews from Galashiels rushed to St Dunstans Lane, which is a popular short-cut between the town’s caravan park and the High Street, at 10.05pm.

Flames had already spread by the time they had arrived.

But they managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread to neighbouring properties.

Investigation officers from both the Scottish Fire Service and Police Scotland were on the scene the following morning to establish the cause.

Inspector John Reid stated: “Early indications are that this fire was the result of a deliberate act and a full fire scene investigation will now take place between Police Scotland and the Fire and Rescue Service. “I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area of St Dunstans Lane last night to get in touch with Police Scotland at Melrose if they saw or heard anything which might help us in our enquiries into this fire.” Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.