Royal butler under 24-hour guard after arson attack

The former royal butler Paul Burrell said yesterday that his family were receiving around-the-clock protection after his flower shop was damaged in a suspected arson attack.

Mr Burrell reportedly received a number of threatening telephone calls after the conclusion of his theft trial a month ago, his agent said yesterda, and they were reported to the police. The calls were followed by a fire at his shop in Holt, north Wales, early on Sunday, which caused severe smoke damage. Fire crews fought for half an hour to prevent the blaze spreading.

Mr Burrell's brother Graham said one caller had threatened to "get" the former butler and every member of his family. He said the police and BT were attempting to trace calls made to the shop, which opened in November last year.

At the time, Mr Burrell, who was facing charges of stealing items and clothing from members of the Royal Family, described the venture as the beginning of a new career. He said he had arranged flowers for Diana, the Princess of Wales, at Kensington Palace.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Burrell praised the police who were investigating the case. It said: "Mr and Mrs Burrell are also comforted by the fact that 24-hour security procedures are in place."

Mr Burrell was driven to the shop yesterday to survey the damage, and told reporters that he did not know who was responsible for the fire. He and his wife, Maria, spent more than 30 minutes at the shop.

Chief Inspector Bob Wilson, of North Wales Police, confirmed that the blaze was being treated as arson. A police spokesman declined to comment on the threatening phone calls.

Despite the fire, Mr Burrell plans to travel to Los Angeles for an interview with the American television presenter Larry King, and will be involved with a BBC project early next week, according to his agent, Dave Warwick.