Boy, 12, arrested after fire in disused building

A 12-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested after a large fire at a disused building in Crewe.

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.

On Saturday, Cheshire Constabulary said a 12-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Emergency services remain at the scene on Saturday, with some residents unable to return to their homes.

Police said these residents were being supported by Cheshire East Council, with Crewe Lifestyle Centre being used as a rest centre for those affected.

There are no reports of any injuries and a number of road closures remain in place while the work continues at the scene.

Supt 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, and 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.

"While our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tackle the fire, we continue to urge residents in the nearby area to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed at this time."

Tony O'Dwyer said crews were still damping down on Saturday

Tony O'Dwyer from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said around 50 properties remained cordoned off on Saturday morning, down from 250 at the height of the fire.

"Crews are undertaking a damping-down phase, and we're moving into a recovery phase.

"It's about moving people back into their houses in a safe environment, [while we] put out those last pockets of fire," he told the BBC.