Coyle family 'devastated' after fruit stall fire

The family that runs a well-known fruit and veg business has been left "devastated" after its city centre stall was set on fire overnight.

The Coyle and Sons stall, based on King Edward Street in Hull, was left badly damaged with a tent, crates and trays destroyed in the blaze.

Tommy Coyle, a former boxer and one of the owners, said his family is "gutted" by the incident.

Humberside Police has confirmed nobody was injured and inquiries are ongoing.

Former boxer Tommy Coyle said the fruit stall would continue to trade despite the damage

The business, which has been running for more than 30 years, was originally set up by Chris Coyle, who passed away in 2022.

Mr Coyle's son, Tommy, said the stall has continued to run in memory of his father because it was his "pride and joy".

"We do it in memory of my father because he loved it. That's why we kept it going so to find out it has been burned down is gutting," he said.

Despite the damage, the family managed to set up a makeshift stall on its pitch earlier today, and told the BBC they would continue to trade.

Mr Coyle added: "I got the call late last night to say it was on fire and I was half asleep. By the time I got to town it was smouldering.

"The police said it was intentional but I just can't understand why anyone would do it. Local businesses are struggling enough. I can't fathom it."

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