Three more arrests after huge fire at printworks

Fire crews remained at the scene of the fire throughout the weekend

Three men have been arrested in connection to a huge fire which caused several streets to be evacuated.

Crews were called out to a former printworks in Catherine Street, Crewe, when fire broke out on Friday afternoon. Some residents had not been allowed to return home by Sunday.

A 19-year-old from Sandbach, 18-year-old from Crewe and a 19-year-old with no fixed address were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in custody.

A 12-year-old boy who was previously arrested has been released on bail pending further inquiries, police said.

Residents of 14 houses on nearby Frances Street had still not been allowed home on Sunday, as crews remained at the scene.

Justin Evans, of Catherine Street, said he had been left devastated, shocked, confused and annoyed by the incident.

“I had to move out on Friday night along with other residents on Catherine Street because the flames were that big,” he said.

He added: “All the businesses stuck together and they helped deliver food to everyone which was great, it’s great to see in a crisis everyone worked together.”

He said he would now have to get his house deep cleaned to get rid of lingering smoke particles.

Michelle, whose mum lives on Catherine Street, said it was a shock when she heard the news.

She used to work at the disused building up until about three years ago.

“We are very lucky that everyone rallied around to help residents old and young,” she said.

The remaining emergency cordon and road closures were lifted later on Sunday and residents allowed home.