An 18-year-old man from Leek has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at the Grade II listed Big Mill in Staffordshire. Police were called at around 9.35pm on Friday evening to reports that the historic building was ablaze, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents as a precaution.
Staffordshire Police confirmed the arrest on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. The force said the teenager remains in custody as investigations continue.
The six-storey mill, built around 1860, is recognised by Historic England as an important example of a large-scale silk industry mill. Fire crews were alerted at 9.22pm on Friday and found smoke and flames issuing from the building on Mill Street.
At the height of the blaze, six fire crews worked to contain the fire. By midday Saturday, four crews remained at the scene. The fire service said the blaze is under control but not yet extinguished, as firefighters cannot safely enter the building.
Residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to excess smoke. Station manager Jonathan Ashby stated: '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.'
The cause of the fire will be determined following an investigation, the fire service added.
