Crews remain at scene of disused building fire

The fire service was called to Catherine Street in Crewe on Friday afternoon

Some people living near a large fire which started on Friday in Crewe are yet to return to their homes as firefighters continue to damp down.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Catherine Street shortly before 16:30 BST on Friday, with 15 fire engines from across the county attending.

Two fire engines remained at the scene to damp down hotspots on Sunday morning and 14 houses on nearby Frances Street were still evacuated, the fire service said.

Police have arrested a 12-year-old boy on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Evacuated residents

The blaze was extinguished on Saturday afternoon and residents have since been allowed to return to most of the evacuated streets.

A fire service spokesperson said Catherine Street and half of Frances Street remained closed to traffic on Sunday morning.

The spokesperson added that the fire engines and demolition crew at the scene would now be damping down hotspots, taking the building down safely, and conducting investigations.

Cheshire East Council said it had arranged accommodation for those who were still unable to return home on Saturday night.

The council added that street-cleaning crews and other officers would now be working at the scene to remove any remaining dust and debris.

It urged residents to call the council if they found any ash or debris from the fire on their property, instead of trying to clear it themselves.