A boxing gym which was devastated by a blaze in Wem earlier this month will not be returning, its owner has confirmed.

Doran Boxing Promotions, which was run by former British undefeated Super Middleweight champion Roddy Doran, was damaged during the fire which hit Wem Business Park on October 6.

Announcing the news on social media, he said: “With regret I’m writing this DBP will not be returning to our HQ gym on Wem brewery business park, the fire has left us with no option but two close due to the fire damage.

“I would firstly like to thank everyone who made me and Joey welcome, we have met some fantastic ladies and gents on our journey.

“I’m hoping it’s not the end as one door shuts and another opens.”

He added: “We are in temporary arrangements at Albrighton Hall Leisure, Shrewsbury, but will be looking for our own gym again in the new year.

“Thanks to everyone who still supports us at DBP and travel to train with us.”

Several businesses were damaged or destroyed in the blaze, including a shop selling rare and antique books.

Cosmo Books lost its entire stock of 170,000 books and journals, but owner Robert Downie said he would start again and thanked those who supported him and his staff.

In a post online, he said: “Thank you very much to everyone who has been in touch with myself or Samantha in recent days. It’s been really supportive to see how much people have been upset by the destruction of our rare books.

“The great news is we are creating plans to quickly move into new premises and start to fill our shelves again.

“Weeks rather than months I think all being well.

“We really will arise from the ashes, almost literally.”

Meanwhile, West Mercia Police have confirmed that they are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which began in the early hours and was tackled by six crews from across five towns at the business park.

Investigations into the blaze started immediately, and firefighters and West Mercia Police believe the blaze was deliberate.

They have confirmed that investigations are still underway, although no arrests have been made yet.

A spokesman for the force said: “Enquiries are ongoing into the incident but no arrests have been made at the moment.”