Devastating fire closes harbour business until further notice

A man has been charged with arson following a late-night blaze at an historic boatyard in Bristol.

The fire, at the Underfall Yard in the city, took place in the early hours of Saturday.

Robert Boyd-Stevenson, 45, of Headford Road, Knowle, has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

Avon and Somerset Police said he has also been charged with a stalking offence.

The yard was badly damaged as a result of the fire.

At one stage fire officers stopped the fire from spreading by moving a burning boat away the yard.

Underfall Yard is a crucial part of operation and maintenance of Bristol’s Floating Harbour, which was dates back to the early 1800s.

The yard is home to several small businesses involved in boatbuilding, marine engineering, metal working and training.

Both the Harbour Master and the Docks Engineer are based at the yard.

The Visitor Centre opened in March 2016 with support from Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations and charities.

It has ben closed to the public until further notice.