Fourth Juvenile Arrested in Connection with City Centre Fire

A 16-year-old male has been taken into custody, marking the fourth juvenile arrest made in connection with a substantial fire at a former Debenhams retail outlet located in the city centre. The conflagration commenced on Monday night in Guildhall Street, Canterbury, necessitating the evacuation of 30 individuals residing in nine adjacent apartments. Authorities reported that the 16-year-old, a resident of Canterbury, along with a 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, were released on bail while investigations continue. Conversely, a different 15-year-old boy from Ashford, who had been apprehended on Wednesday under suspicion of arson, was subsequently released without any charges. Emergency services concluded their firefighting efforts at the structure at 15:30 GMT on Wednesday. During the peak intensity of the event, eight fire engines, two height vehicles, and the technical rescue unit were dispatched. Additionally, one individual received medical attention from the South East Coast Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.