8 teenagers arrested after Longton arson attack

Arrests have now been made after a major fire broke out at a warehouse in Longton.

A total of 8 teenagers aged 14 and 15 from Stoke-on-Trent were arrested in connection with the fire and have been questioned by police officers. Seven have been granted bail and one 14 year old is being held in custody.

The warehouse was destroyed in the blaze and the surrounding areas suffered severe disruption to roads and rail services.

Brian Griffiths, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, said: “This was a very severe fire and has destroyed the contents of the building, believed to have mainly been pottery lithographs. Following a joint fire and police investigation yesterday we are treating this fire as suspicious and the police have made some arrests in connection with this incident.”

Richard Cresswell who is the chairman of Longton Chamber of Trade believes that the building will continue to be the target of arson attacks. He said: “The fire was about 20 yards from our Calor gas depot, so the fire fighters had to force their way in to keep all the cylinders damp as a precaution. They had to do it, although the risk of explosion was minimal. That building has been empty for five or six years now and this is the second time it’s been set on fire. The last time was around 18 months ago. They should knock the thing down before it happens again. The fire was absolutely horrendous. There’s nothing for teenagers to do around here, so you will get some who will break into a building and see if they can get the fire brigade out.”