Three arrested after large fire at retail park

The retail park is expected to remain closed on Sunday due to the fire

Three people have been arrested after a major fire broke out inside a store at a retail park.

The emergency services were called to the Dunelm store at the St James Retail Park off Towcester Road in Northampton, just after 15:00 BST on Saturday.

Footage from social media showed the fire has spread into the next door Pets at Home store which had to be evacuated of staff and animals.

Det Ch Insp Andrew Tuff of Northamptonshire Police said the force believed the fire had been started deliberately with the three arrested on suspicion of arson.

Firefighters continued to tackle the fire at Dunelm in Northampton through Saturday night

"At the present time, we believe this fire to have been started deliberately and throughout the day, have made a number of fast-paced enquiries which has led to these three arrests," he explained.

"However, I now want to appeal to the public for any information which could help our investigation. If you were in, or near, the Dunelm store this afternoon and saw anything suspicious, please contact us.

"I am particularly interested in speaking to a man who allegedly saw people setting fires in the Dunelm toilets a short time before the incident was reported."

The officer added that the incident had "not only caused significant damage and disruption", but would have a "serious effect" on Dunelm staff and surrounding stores.

He urged anyone with information to come forward.

Firefighters are still on seen on Sunday as smoke continues to billow from the store

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service remained at the scene through Saturday night before the blaze was brought under control by 10:20 on Sunday.

"Although there are still small pockets of fire, the blaze is now contained, and fire crews expect to be damping down as the day progresses," it said in a post on social media.

"At the height of the fire, 11 fire crews and appliances were in attendance alongside two aerial appliances."

Crews were assisted by others from Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire fire services.

The retail park is expected to remain closed for some time

Station commander Rich Walding said it had been a "very protracted incident" that required a "large-scale response".

"Our crews will remain on the scene throughout the day and into the evening to damp down and I would continue to advise people to avoid the area for the time being," he added.

"The stores in the area are all currently closed and that decision will be reviewed this morning."

Towcester Road is expected to remain closed in both directions from the St Peter's Way roundabout to the Shell Garage roundabout until 05:00 on Monday, police said.