Investigation launched into deliberate fire in Longton

The road had to be closed after asbestos was found in the building.

Author: Dan DaviesPublished 25th May 2021

An investigation is underway into a fire which happened in Stoke-on-Trent - believed to have been started deliberately.

It happened at a derelict building on Baker Street, Longton on Sunday night.

Detectives say they're now trawling through CCTV as part of their enquiries.

Statement from Staffordshire Police:

"We were asked by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to attend a blaze on Barker Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent at about 10.30pm yesterday (Sunday 23 May).

"The blaze, which was inside an outbuilding at a business premises, was believed to have been started deliberately.

"The fire service had closed the road due to asbestos being discovered in the building and Highways were informed of this.

"Enquiries are currently ongoing into the cause of the fire and CCTV is being viewed from the surrounding businesses."

Statement from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

"We were called at about 10.20pm yesterday (Sunday 23 May) to Barker Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.

"Two crews from Longton attended to find a small, derelict building well alight. Two hose reel jets were used to fight the flames.

"Staffordshire Police were asked to attend, and Highways were also asked to attend and shut off the road due to asbestos being found in the unsafe structure.

"The risk from the asbestos was considered to be low and a specialist cleaning team was arranged to attend this morning (Monday 24 May) to deal with it.

"The blaze was extinguished by 12.20am today and dampening down commenced. The site was left in the care of its owner and Stoke-on-Trent City Council."

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