15-Year-Old Arrested Following Major City Centre Fire

An arrest has been made in connection with a significant fire that occurred at a vacant Debenhams retail location in Canterbury’s city centre, involving a 15-year-old male. According to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), eight fire engines and two height apparatus were dispatched to the unoccupied premises on Guildhall Street shortly after 20:30 GMT on Monday. Approximately 30 individuals were evacuated from nine residential units in the vicinity, and 50 firefighters were present during the height of the emergency. Firefighting personnel have since brought the blaze under control. Kent Police reported that a local boy presented himself at Canterbury Police Station on Tuesday and was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of arson. He is currently being held as investigations proceed, the police force stated. As of 19:35 on Tuesday, both fire and police personnel were still present at the site. The fire service indicated that a security cordon was still established, and the origin of the fire would be subject to investigation. A spokesperson further stated, “The earlier advice to keep windows and doors closed has now been lifted, but please do not travel to the area unless absolutely necessary.” One individual required attention from the South East Coast Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation. On Monday evening, Canterbury City Council established a welfare centre, which was subsequently deactivated, to provide assistance to the evacuees. A council spokesperson commented, “Our teams worked hard to support those that could arrange a place to stay for themselves and found overnight accommodation for those that could not.” Neil Griffiths, who serves as the assistant director of response at KFRS, had earlier expressed concern about “protecting the city of Canterbury from the fire spread.” He also mentioned that a key priority for the service was to manage the incident with utmost speed to minimize disturbance within the town.