Teenager charged with arson offences relating to Northampton shop fire

A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court and been formally charged with arson after a major fire at a Northampton retail park.

The 15-year-old boy from Northampton, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, was charged on Friday (04/07) with one count of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

The charge follows an incident at St James’ Retail Park in central Northampton on May 31.

Major fire broke out in a branch of Dunelm home furnishings at the retail park, creating huge plumes of smoke visible for miles around.

The blaze destroyed both the Dunelm branch and an adjacent branch of Pets at Home. Several outlets at the retail park still remain closed.

The charged individual appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, and at the hearing, he was given conditional bail. He will make a further appearance at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday July 8.

Two other Northampton boys, both aged 14 and who also cannot be named for legal reasons, remain on conditional bail in relation to the incident.