The owners of Exmouth tea room The Bumble and Bee say they are 'devastated' after fire caused significant damage to their business.

In the early hours of yesterday morning (July 8) a fire, which police are treating a suspicious, was started in the tea room's bin area.

Nub News contacted the owners, Debs and Toby Quine, yesterday to find out if the couple were OK and what the next steps will be going forward. Since then the couple have made an official statement on social media.

The fire comes just days after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted on cafes. The couple also took the opportunity to thank the community for all the support they have received since the fire.

Debs and Toby said: "The word that comes to mind today for our Bumble family is devastated.

"As some of you may know, our loving Bee cafe, the hub of our businesses, was damaged in a blaze in the early hours of this morning. The last few months have been tough, re-opening three venues during the Covid-19 pandemic and now this.

"For the time being, we have lost the heart of the company, the Bumble and Bee Cafe.

"We can't thank you all enough for the love and support that we have already received we have been completely overwhelmed. We are just so grateful that no one was harmed.

"Please bear with us as we get ourselves over this hurdle, we can't wait to be operating out of there as soon as we can.

"Huge shout out to Pete from The Manor Hotel for raising the alarm and the prompt response and gargantuan effort from the Exmouth and surrounding Fire Brigades, who all saved the building from being completely razed to the floor.

"Thank you and we hope that you can still support us by visiting our other venues Sea and Tee."

If you would like to help the Bumble and Bee get back on its feet, check out this JustGiving page set up to help cover the cost of repair work.