12-year-old boys arrested following fire at Lancing laundry
They've been questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life
Police have arrested two 12-year-old boys as part of investigations into a fire in Lancing.
The pair, who are both from the village, have been questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the incident at the former Gochers Laundry in Alma Street on Tuesday evening (June 4th).
Six fire engines and an aerial ladder were called to fight the flames, with those living nearby urged avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed.
A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said:
“On Tuesday June 4, at 6.47pm, we were called to reports of a fire involving a former business premises on Alma Street in Lancing.
"Upon arrival crews were confronted with a fire on the ground floor which was heavily smoke-logged. The road was closed to allow emergency service staff to work safely.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using jets, hose reels and thermal imaging cameras.
"A joint investigation is now being carried out with Sussex Police to establish the cause of the fire.”
Adur District Council had been due to hear an application to demolish the building and turn it into eight homes at the start of this month.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said the pair had been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
Witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 1199 of 04/06.