The owners of a beach café devastated in a suspected arson attack have admitted they may never been able to re-open the business.
The Rock Pool Café in Dawlish was left burned to the ground yesterday following a 'deliberate' fire in the early hours of the morning.
Firefighters battled the blaze for almost two hours after finding the seaside building 'well alight' following reports of a fire near the train station.
In a post on the business Facebook page, Debbie and Don Holman said the café was a "total loss", because they had been unable to get insurance due to its location.
They wrote: "We have been overwhelmed by all your wonderful comments and support for us. Unfortunately we must tell you that because of the nature of the building and it's location it was uninsurable and so is a total loss.
"It is with regret that we will not be in a financial position to start again. We would like to thank our very many customers and friends who have been there with us from the beginning, paintbrushes in hand, supporting us all the way. We are very blessed and thank God no one was hurt xxx"
Devon and Cornwall Police has appealed for information about the incident as they continue to investigate the cause.
DC Dan Wocjiechowski of Newton Abbot CID said: "It was burnt to the ground. Nothing has been ruled out at this stage. We had our scenes of crime people there to examine the scene and we will look at whatever they come back with, together with the report of the fire service to try to establish the cause. At the moment we cannot say whether it was accidental or deliberate.
"I understand the business owners are obviously very upset, it is their livelihood at the end of the day."
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Wojciechowski by telephone the police number 101 and quoting crime reference JG/14/702.
