Arson Suspected in Latest Fire at Dalton Mills, Former Peaky Blinders Filming Location

Law enforcement officials are probing a new suspicious blaze at a Victorian mill, known for its use as a set for the television series Peaky Blinders. West Yorkshire Police officially classified the occurrence at Dalton Mills, situated in Keighley, on Tuesday evening as an act of arson. This follows the conviction in August of two teenagers for arson concerning a substantial fire at Dalton Mills in 2022, an event that led to the destruction of a considerable part of the structure. Multiple additional fires have occurred at the site subsequently. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police stated that “enquiries are in the early stages” and urged “anyone who witnessed anything suspicious” to contact the police. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue services responded to the disused mill located on Dalton Lane just after 21:00 GMT on 10 December. Five firefighting teams were dispatched to the location from Shipley, Fairweather, Bradford, Illingworth, and Stanningley. The blaze originated on the fourth floor, and responders employed an aerial ladder, breathing apparatus, hose reels, and jets to bring it under control. According to fire investigators, the cause was determined to be “application of naked flame to combustible materials”. Dalton Mills, a Grade II-listed structure, has remained unoccupied since the 1980s, with several prospective purchasers having shown interest in acquiring the site. The fire that occurred on 3 March 2022 resulted in £15m worth of damage and led to the destruction of the primary building. Residents in Keighley have voiced apprehension regarding inadequate security measures at the location, rendering it susceptible to acts of vandalism and unauthorized entry. Following the 2022 fire, The Crown Estate assumed responsibility for Dalton Mills due to the bankruptcy of the former owner and the failure of a planned restoration initiative.