A 13-year-old and 15-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire which destroyed the former M&S store in Fleetwood on Wednesday night.
They remain in custody as crews remain at the scene of the incident this morning, at the building that was also formerly the ex Catalogue Shop.
At 5pm on Wednesday, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service attended a commercial building fire on Lord Street, Fleetwood. Eight fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, breathing apparatus, a water tower, and a drone were used to bring the fire under control.
Significant smoke was present in the area, with residents advised to keep doors and windows closed.
At its height, eight fire engines from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, two aerial ladder platforms from Preston and Morecambe, a command unit from Fulwood, a hose laying lorry from South Shore, a breathing apparatus unit from Preston, and a drone attended the incident.
The fire involved a commercial premises consisting of three floors approximately thirty metres by fifty metres. Firefighters used fourteen breathing apparatus, two hose reels, three jets and a thermal imaging camera. The incident is still ongoing.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said on Thursday morning: ‘’One fire engine and one aerial ladder platform remain at the scene this morning and they are locating and extinguishing small pockets of fire.
‘’No active firefighting has taken place since 03:00 but we are working with the council and police to work on the next steps which includes the fire investigation and the structural integrity of the building.
‘’No injuries have been reported. Whilst this work continues, we continue to ask people to stay away from the scene and be aware that there will be road closures in the area.’’
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