Body discovery fears after wine bar blaze

Forensics officers have been at the scene of the fire

Police say they believe there is a body in a building after a fire in Stoke-on-Trent earlier this week.

Emergency services were called just after 05.45 GMT on Tuesday to the former Yates wine bar on Brockley Square, Hanley.

A cordon remained in place on Thursday morning at the site.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said the force was aware of reports suggesting there was a body inside the derelict building.

"At this time, we can sadly confirm that we believe there is a body inside, but we’re unable to carry out a search until the area is deemed safe," they added.

The cordon has been in place for more than 48 hours

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life on Wednesday.

The 63-year-old man, of no fixed abode, remained in custody on Thursday, the force said.

The 33-year-old woman, from Stoke-on-Trent, was released on bail.