"A million things to sort," as owner warns arson-hit Doncaster cafe may not re-open

Megabites in Scawthorpe was deliberately set ablaze in the early hours of yesterday morning – and in an update, owner Mark Worgan has thanked customers while warning the shop in Crossland Way could be closed for some time.

In a social media post, he wrote: “Just a quick update.

“It is going to be a while before or if this place ever opens again.

“There’s a million things to sort out and it won’t happen overnight.

“So thank you to each and every one of you that has supported us over the years. Some of you who have become great friends - we’re all going to miss you all.

“It was a little place where people not only came for their breakfast or dinner.

“It was their little get out place where they could socialise and interact with other people from in and around the village. I just hope something positive comes out of it.

“Love to you all”

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We were called at 12.51am on June 17 by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to reports of a suspected arson at a building on Crossland Way in the Scawthorpe area of Doncaster.

“No injuries were reported and the fire was extinguished by the fire service.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 31 of 17 June 2024.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Three fire crews from Adwick, Doncaster and Edlington stations attended a fire at a commercial premise at 12:20am.

"The fire is believed to have been started deliberately. Crews left the scene at 2:40am.”

Following the fire, Mr Worgan posted: “Why me?

“Have you got me mistaken for someone else?

“I don’t go out drinking.

“I have no known enemies.

“All I do is work?

“People of Scawthorpe love coming here to see us and we love to see them.

“It’s part of our community or what bit we have left.

“If anyone has any CCTV of someone running off down Petersgate, can you please inbox it me.

“It is 100% a targeted arson attack on Megabites.”