Dorset Police was called by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at 4.10am on Saturday 15 April 2017 to reports of a large fire at Parnham House near Beaminster. Officers attended to assist the fire service while they tackled the extensive blaze.
The fire was confirmed to have been fully extinguished on the morning of Wednesday 19 April 2017. The house suffered a significant amount of damage. Luckily no one was inside the property at the time of the fire.
The owner of Parnham House, Michael Treichl, was arrested on suspicion of arson and was released under investigation.
A full investigation was launched by Dorset Police, led by detectives from Weymouth CID.
During the course of the investigation, the tragic news was received in June that Mr Treichl’s body had been found in Switzerland. His family were informed and an inquest into his death was opened in Switzerland. The circumstances of his death have been investigated by Swiss authorities and this has now concluded.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We were very sad to learn of Mr Treichl’s sudden death in Switzerland and our thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time.
“I can confirm that detectives have conducted a thorough and detailed investigation and having assessed all the evidence collected by officers as part of this inquiry, Dorset Police has concluded its investigation and is not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire at Parnham House.”
