A 12-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after an enormous fire broke out – causing hundreds of homes to be evacuated.
Firefighters scrambled to a residential street in Crewe yesterday afternoon after the blaze started in a disused building.
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They remain at the scene today and some residents remain unable to return to their homes.
A number of roads remain closed around the charred building and evacuated residents are resting in Crewe Lifestyle Centre.
Locals have been urged to keep their doors and windows shut while firefighters tackle the blaze.
Cops probing the fire have now arrested a 12-year-old boy on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
No-one was injured in the fire and Cheshire Police enquiries are ongoing.
Superintendent Claire Jesson said: “I’d like thank residents for their patience while emergency services continue to work tirelessly at the scene.
“We understand people will want to get back into their properties as soon as they can.”
The Cheshire cop added: “We are all working hard to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.
“Agencies will continue to work with displaced residents to keep them updated as to when they can return.
“We continue to urge residents in the nearby area to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed at this time.”
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Catherine Street shortly before 4.30pm on Friday.
Water firm United Utilities said that the use of fire hydrants in the area had disrupted supplies to some customers.
It also warned that sediment in the pipes could discolour water, external for a time afterwards.
