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By ROISIN GADELRAB
 

Mr Anastasi
Arson blaze fails to put off defiant grandfather

Diabetic 70-year-old opens shop day after shocking attack

A DEFIANT grandfather has opened his shop just one day after thieves ransacked his 43-year-old business, setting fire to the top floor and opening gas taps to fuel the blaze.
Quick-witted Tony Anastasi, 70, avoided further devastation when, alerted to the blaze just before 7am on Tuesday, he ran into the shop and turned off the gas mains.
While the fire ravaged through the building his assistant Myroulla Lysandrou ran to the middle floor and turned off the gas hobs on the cooker.
The thieves had smashed the front window of the shop looking for cash but disappointed, they turned to arson. No-one was in the building at the time.
Firefighters were called and the flames were contained to the second floor.
Undeterred by the devastation, Mr Anastasi, who lives next door to his business V & S Catering Supplies in Castlehaven Road, has already rolled up his sleeves for the big clean-up.
Back at his desk on yesterday (Wednesday) morning, surrounded by supportive friends and family, Mr Anastasi was welcoming customers.
He told the New Journal: “For 43 years I have lived here. I have never had any criminal damage. It’s a surprise to me because we have a wonderful relationship with the community. I even know their cats and dogs names. I feel very safe.”
A well-known face in the neighbourhood, Mr Anastasi says he will reopen as soon as his electricity and gas are reconnected – but will serve anyone who needs his help in the meantime.
He said he wasn’t worried about another visit from the burglars, adding: “I don’t think they will come back because they came looking for money and there’s no money in this place. If they wanted plates and china they could have asked me and I would have given them some. I’ve got no computer, TV or anything like that.”
Because of his poor health, Mr Anastasi, who suffers from diabetes and angina has been unable to climb to the second floor to assess the damage.
He said: “At the moment I feel a bit stressed. Why did this happen to me? All the time I have been here I have not had any problems with anybody. But we’re not going to let this affect us. We’ll carry on the same life.”
He added: “The fire brigade and police did a great job.”
While police cordoned off the site on Tuesday, forensic investigators searched for clues amongst the smashed crockery and glass scattered across the shop floor.
Anyone with any information should call Camden Police on 0207 404 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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