Derbyshire Police have reported arresting a 'boy' on suspicion of arson, in connection with a fire at a disused Borrowash pub.
A combined response of four fire appliances and an aerial ladder was necessary on Wednesday afternoon (5th April) after reports were received at around 3pm.
The Wilmot Arms on the main road through the village has been in a state of continuing dereliction for some time having closed in 2019, with piles of soil left at the entrance to deter intruders and travellers from occupying the site, however, the venue, which is not secure, has become the subject of urban explorers, videos from which have been posted on line.
During the early part of the afternoon of the 5th April, sirens could be heard at several times across the village whilst plumes of black and grey smoke from the former function room and kitchen area of the building which was well-alight, could be seen from all around, drifting towards the A52.
Crews from Ilkeston and Long Eaton plus those from Nottingham Road, Kingsway and Ascot Drive in Derby and others from Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service were in attendance.
Traffic built up around the village and the area whilst Derby Road was closed for fire appliances to attend the scene and in the interests of public safety. Local residents were asked to keep their windows and doors closed.
trentbarton was also forced to divert its i4 and indigo bus services due to the incident.
At this early stage, it is not known exactly how and where the fire was started in the building but it was locally reported as being brought under control by around 3:30pm and was out as of 12:30am on Thursday morning.. Firefighters left the scene shortly after but returned later on Thursday to check for any hot spots
A joint Police and Fire investigation was launched on Thursday and this quickly led to the arrest of the person described as a 'boy' on the same day. Local reports suggest he could be as young as 12.
A statement said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area around the time or who may have any information and has not yet spoken to officers."
If you think you can help, please contact Derbyshire Police on the non-emergency number 101, or through the Police website, social media or alternatively by contacting Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 or online quoting reference 23000206486.
Extensive damage was caused to the already damaged former pub building with scaffolding erected against the outer edge of the building and into Derby Road which has remained closed as a result in the interests of safety and to allow investigations to continue.
The site on which the former Wilmot Arms sits, and a neighbouring garage which continues to trade, has been the subject of redevelopment plans for some time. Last year, the owners of both properties were granted planning permission to build nine new homes.