Teenage boy in court over Northampton Dunelm fire

A 15-year-old has appeared before magistrates after a large fire damaged shops at St James’ Retail Park in Northampton

Emergency services at the scene of a suspected arson at Nene Valley Retail Park in Northampton, UK, which destroyed the Dunelm and Pets at Home stores.
Author: Cameron GreenPublished 4th Jul 2025

A teenage boy has appeared in court charged with starting a fire that destroyed multiple shops at St James’ Retail Park in Northampton.

The 15-year-old, who is from Northampton and cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with one count of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

The charge relates to a fire that broke out on 31 May, damaging several businesses including Dunelm.

He appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court this morning, Friday 4 July, and was granted conditional bail. He is due to appear at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 8 July.

Two other boys, both aged 14 and also from Northampton, remain on conditional bail in connection with the same incident.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “This charge follows a joint investigation between police and fire services into the fire at St James’ Retail Park.”

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