Second 15-year-old arrested in connection with Canterbury city centre fire

Authorities have apprehended a second male youth in relation to a fire that erupted at the former Debenhams store in Canterbury city centre on Monday evening. Kent Police stated that the 15-year-old male from Ashford, who was arrested on Wednesday, is still being held while additional investigations are conducted. A separate 15-year-old boy, apprehended on Tuesday under suspicion of arson, is likewise being detained by police. Fire suppression efforts at the incident concluded at 15:30 GMT on Wednesday. The origin of the fire is still being probed, but it is considered suspicious. Businesses in the vicinity that experienced disruption due to the fire have now received permission to resume operations, and the primary high street area is no longer restricted. Approximately 30 individuals were evacuated from nine residential units located nearby on Monday. All of these residents have since been permitted to go back to their homes. During the peak intensity of the event, eight fire engines, two height vehicles, and the technical rescue unit were deployed to the scene. By Tuesday afternoon, emergency services personnel had brought the fire under control. A single individual required attention from the South East Coast Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.