A significant inferno devastated a barber shop and the flat above in the town of Annan on Saturday night, with firefighters tirelessly engaged to quell the flames throughout the night.

After receiving a distress alert at precisely 6.22pm, fire crews swiftly responded, converging on the High Street property.

The fight against the fire reached its zenith with four fire engines employed on site to bring the raging flames under control.

The distraught owner of the barber shop, Zana Ako, confessed he had suffered a brain-numbing loss due to the fire.

On receiving distress calls about the building fire from his customers, the 34-year-old swiftly made his way to the premises.

Yesterday, a heartbroken Zana revealed: “It was devastating to stand outside and see the inferno.

“The firefighters didn’t allow me to get close. The shop has suffered significant damage – nothing in it was spared by the flames.

“All my life savings went into the business and now I am left with nothing. It’s hard to decide the next course of action.”

Zana, who has owned the shop for a period of two years, mentioned he was rapidly searching for a new property, with hopes of resuscitating the business promptly.

On the challenges that have hit him, he said: “My partner and I have two kids aged eight and eight months. I have to work but currently, I have no workspace.

“I am still in a state of shock, clueless about how the fire was started.

“The situation is horrifying.”

The firefighting personnel eventually vacated the site on Sunday at 8 am – an astonishing 13 hours post receiving the initial distress call.

Glasgow-based Police Scotland representatives stated: “We received reports of a fire outbreak at premises on the High Street, Annan around 6.30pm on Saturday, 10th February, 2024.

“Emergency services were on the scene and our officers helped the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with management of vehicular traffic.

“Evacuation of two properties and one business premise was initiated. Residents have, however, been allowed to return to the premises.

Glasgow Police stated, “No injuries have been reported as of now.

“Investigations are ongoing to identify the causes, however, intentional fire-starting has been ruled out for now.”