A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a major fire ripped through a historic Grade II listed mill in Staffordshire, causing significant damage and prompting evacuations. The incident occurred at the Big Mill in the market town of Leek on Friday evening, with emergency services responding swiftly to contain the blaze.
Firefighters Battle Blaze at Historic Silk Mill
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were first notified at 9.22pm on Friday when smoke and flames were seen billowing from the six-storey building on Mill Street. Six fire crews were deployed at the height of the emergency, working tirelessly through the night to bring the situation under control. By midday on Saturday, four crews remained on site as operations continued.
Residents Evacuated and Warned About Smoke
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure when the fire broke out, with authorities advising those living in the vicinity to keep their windows and doors closed due to excessive smoke still emanating from the building. No injuries have been reported among residents or emergency personnel.
Station Manager Jonathan Ashby provided an update on the situation, stating: "The fire is under control but has yet to be extinguished as crews are unable to enter the building at this time. The large cordon is still in place and we're expected to be in the area for some time whilst we work to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion."
Arrest Made in Connection with the Fire
Staffordshire Police confirmed they were called at approximately 9.35pm on Friday to reports of the historic building being on fire. An 18-year-old man from Leek was subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Historical Significance of the Building
The affected structure, built around 1860, represents an important example of large-scale mills used in Britain's silk industry during the Victorian era. Listed as Grade II by Historic England, the building's architectural and historical value adds significance to the damage caused by the fire.
Key developments in the incident include:
- Fire first reported at 9.22pm on Friday evening
- Six fire crews initially deployed to contain the blaze
- 18-year-old male arrested on suspicion of arson
- No injuries reported among residents or emergency responders
- Building unable to be entered by firefighters due to safety concerns
- Cause of fire to be determined through investigation
The fire service has emphasized that while the blaze is now under control, complete extinguishment has been delayed because structural concerns prevent firefighters from entering the building safely. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire once the situation has been fully resolved.
