Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “Following the dreadful events at the weekend in Exeter, on behalf of all the people of Torbay, I would like to express our deep sadness to the Mayor and people of Exeter, our thoughts are with you all. Although it is devastating to all businesses affected, I know that with resilience, everyone will bounce back in the near future.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to praise the incredible work that was carried out by all the emergency services and agencies involved, who worked tirelessly to ensure the fire did not cause more damage”.