Arrests made after major fire at retail park in Northampton

Police have made four arrests after a major fire at a retail park in Northampton.

Fire broke out at the Dunelm store in the Nene Valley Retail Park on Towcester Road in the Far Cotton area of central Northampton just after 3pm on Saturday (31/05), with fire overwhelming the store and later spreading to an adjacent branch of Pets at Home that had to be evacuated of staff and animals.

Fire crews from all over Northamptonshire were called to extinguish the fire, which was eventually brought under control on Sunday morning. No casualties were reported.

Northamptonshire Police confirmed that the scene in place at the affected Dunelm store will remain on for the foreseeable future until it is deemed safe and police officers and fire investigators have concluded their investigations. The road going past the retail park has since been re-opened.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of arson on the day of the fire, who were identified as three boys aged 15, 14 and 13.

The 13-year-old boy has been released with no further action, while the two other boys have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Northamptonshire Police confirmed earlier today (03/06) that they have arrested another 14-year-old boy who is currently in police custody.

Detective Inspector Nick Peters said, “This investigation continues at a fast pace however I would continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, no matter how small, please contact us, either via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“We have spoken to a lot of witnesses already but we are still keen to hear from anyone else who has not yet contacted us.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Information can also be submitted online at www.northants.police.uk/RO and www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

Northamptonshire Police have asked that any callers quote incident number 25000315343 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.

Phil Pells, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue, said, “We do not underestimate the impact this incident has had on these businesses and the people who work there, as well as the local community.

“I want to thank Fire Control, our firefighters, crews from Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire who assisted us, and our colleagues in police for their hard work over the weekend in what was a large-scale response to this fire.

“We would ask people to continue to stay away from the scene so that our Fire Investigation officers can continue their work.

“I also want to thank those affected, the local businesses and residents of St James, for their continued patience over the last three days. Our Protection Team will be visiting local businesses in the area to offer support and advice regarding fire safety in their premises.”