Police believe body may be inside building that caught fire in Stoke-on-Trent

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 15th Mar 2024
Last updated 15th Apr 2024

An investigation is continuing into a large fire at a disused nightclub in Stoke-on-Trent, with police confirming there may be a body inside.

Emergency services are still at the scene of the old Yates' bar, which caught fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Police say they aren't able to search the building yet because it is still dangerous.

In an statement, Staffordshire Police said: "We’re aware of reports suggesting there might be a body inside the building.

"At this time, we can sadly confirm that we believe there is a body inside, but we’re unable to carry out a search until the area is deemed safe."

A 63-year-old man, of no fixed address, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life, remain in custody today.

A 33-year-old woman, from Stoke-on-Trent, who was arrested on suspicion of the same offence, has been released on conditional police bail while enquiries continue.

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