A MOPED shop that was torched by arsonists is now back up and running.

Owner David Meikle and his son Lyle and friend Chris Hinks have been working around the clock to get the Mr Moped store in Columbia Road, Ensbury Park, back to its former glory.

Mr Meikle was left devastated after thousands of pounds worth of stock was destroyed when mindless attackers hurled a concrete block through the shop door to gain entry before placing a petrol can inside and setting the shop alight.

Police and fire officers were called to the scene early in the morning of January 14 but by then all the mopeds, bikes and parts had been ruined.

Mr Meikle has owned the family-run business for 16 years and has been operating from the premises in Columbia Road for two.

A total of 23 bikes were destroyed in the blaze, putting the total cost of the fire at around £40,000.

Thankfully Mr Meikle was insured and he has been working hard over the last two months to repair the damage and get the shop refitted. He has also installed special smash-free glass in the windows and put metal plates on some outside doors.

He said: "Our business did go very quiet after the arson attack but since then it has picked up. Now people can see that we are back to normal things should get even better."

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "Police enquiries are continuing."