Banker arrested over stately home inferno is freed

A HEDGE FUND manager in connection with a blaze that destroyed his family’s stately home has been released with no bail conditions.

Police launched an investigation into the fire after Grade I-listed Parnham House, in Dorset, burned down last week.

Locals were shocked, however, when Michael Treichl – whose family has spent millions of pounds restoring the 16thcentury property since they bought it in 2001 – was arrested and interviewed.

The 68-year-old, who belongs to a family of distinguished Austrian bankers, was in London on the night of the fire, while his wife Emma, 54, was in Provence with their children Max, 17, and Charlotte, 15.

It is understood that evidence which police initially found to be suspicious has now been discounted, leading to Mr Treichel’s unconditional release.

Last night, speaking for the first time about the fire, Mr Treichl told The Mail on Sunday: ‘I am devastated at the loss of our home.

‘The restoration of Parnham has been my life’s work and it is insane to think I could have destroyed it. I am now intent on rebuilding and restoring it.’

The couple, who bought the home two years into their marriage, have already spent £10million on restoration.

Mr Treichl works with hedge fund Audley Capital Advisors LLP, while his wife is a former Vogue model who grew up in London and the Bahamas.