gordonramsay [prozacnation]

A Hampshire restaurant which featured on a celebrity chef television programme has been destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack.

In December, The Granary restaurant in Whiteley Lane, Titchfield, appeared in the Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares show.

During the programme, the Michelin-starred chef attempted to help owner Nigel Nieddu turn around the restaurant's fortunes.

But early on Saturday, substantial damage was caused to the premises just a week after another arson attempt at the property on January 5.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said the fire is suspicious and being investigated by the arson task force.

Detective sergeant Steve Spencer, of Gosport CID, said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the fire or who saw anything suspicious early on Saturday, January 12.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to the attempted arson earlier this month on Saturday, January 5.

"At this time, there is nothing to suggest that these incidents are linked to the television programme in which the restaurant featured."

But Mr Nieddu, who was on a business trip to Spain at the weekend, said police told him they are investigating a connection between the programme and the fire.

The 39-year-old told a newspaper: "We have just been on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares so millions and millions of people are aware of the place. It is a little bit high profile at the moment."

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