Burglars condemned for targeting arson-hit flats

About 30 firefighters were called to the blaze on 11 September

Six flats that were damaged in an arson attack in Stoke-on-Trent last month have been broken into.

The properties on Henderson Drive in Meir were boarded up after the fire on 11 September, which saw residents evacuated and some unable to return for "many months".

Chris Robinson, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet member for housing and planning, condemned the perpetrators for stealing people's possessions at such a distressing time.

Staffordshire Police said it was investigating the incident as a suspected burglary and inquiries were under way.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the blaze in the two-storey flats at the time.

Two people were taken to hospital for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it believed the fire started in an alleyway.

'Grossly unfair'

Police said the council alerted them to the suspected break-ins.

Workers had visited several properties on Henderson Drive on Monday and discovered that boarding put in place afterwards had been removed and "an untidy search had been carried out by unknown offenders".

At least six properties were believed to have been targeted.

Mr Robinson said the offenders used the opportunity to gain from other people’s misfortune.

"This is a distressing time for the residents affected by the fire and it is grossly unfair that they now have to deal with their personal possessions being stolen," he said.

“We have been out to the site to ensure the building is secure and will be deploying CCTV in the area which can be shared with the police when required.

“We remain in touch with the affected residents and are offering them support and we will continue to liaise with our colleagues at Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue while their investigation is ongoing.”