THE fire which gutted business units near Fenton Barns yesterday (Monday) is being investigated by police, who believe it to be deliberate.

The fire started at about 4.15am yesterday, when a set of business units were found to be alight on the B1345, between Fenton Barns and Drem.

Police attended along with the firefighters. Road cordons were put in place around the area and the fire was extinguished later that afternoon.

READ MORE: Cars and gym destroyed as fire leaves business units 'burnt to a crisp'

The B1345 was fully reopened at about 3.30pm.

Several thousand pounds worth of damage has occurred to various business units in the immediate area.

The blaze has been deemed to be suspicious. With this in mind, police are now investigating and are appealing for information.

Detective Constable Gavin Morrision of Dalkeith CID said: "This fire has caused substantial damage to these units, which will incur a significant financial cost to repair.

"Due to the suspicious nature of this incident we are now investigating and are eager to speak to anyone who was on the B1345 on the morning of Monday, December 5.

"I would urge anyone who was in the area, or has information that can help our investigation, to get in touch with us immediately."

Contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.