A 12-year-old boy has been arrested for alleged arson after a major blaze in Crewe forced some residents out of their homes.
Cheshire Constabulary said on Saturday that emergency services were continuing to work at the scene of the fire on Catherine Street, which began in a disused printers on Friday afternoon.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. No injuries have been reported from the blaze.
But some residents have been unable to return to their homes due to the damage and smoke, with the nearby Crewe Lifestyle Centre turned into a rest centre for those affected.
Road closures remain in place in the area.
Cheshire Constabulary Superintendent 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.”
Officers said they believed the incident was “isolated” and not connected to recent riots.
Firefighters worked through the night to tackle the fire, saying it had also affected electricity supply to neighbouring properties.
They also asked that people not fly drones around the scene because it was affecting the police drone from assisting in tackling the fire.
