Two arrested over string of suspected arson fires at derelict Luton building
Police and firefighters are warning of the serious dangers of deliberate fire-setting
Two people have been arrested after a series of suspected arson fires at a derelict building in Luton.
Bedfordshire Police said emergency services have responded to multiple reports of fires inside the property on Old Bedford Road over the past month.
The most recent was reported in the early hours of Tuesday.
Arrests
Shortly after 3.20am, a man in his 20s and an 18-year-old were arrested near the scene on suspicion of arson not endangering life.
They have since been bailed under strict conditions while enquiries continue.
No injuries have been reported.
Appeal for information
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward.
Detective Constable Monika Golebiewska from Bedfordshire Police's Criminal Investigation Department said: "We are continuing to investigate these incidents and urge anyone with information, or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries, to get in touch. Even information that may seem insignificant could prove vital to our investigation.
"In particular, we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area during the early hours of yesterday morning, as well as on Monday 3 August and Thursday 13 August."
She added: "Incidents of this nature can have serious consequences for the wider community, affecting nearby residents and businesses, damaging property and placing unnecessary risk and demand on emergency services."
Warning over deliberate fires
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to consider the potentially serious consequences of deliberate fire-setting, and the dangers derelict buildings can pose to anyone entering them.
Group Commander Steve Sugars, Head of Prevention and Service Lead Fire Investigator from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Investigation and Prevention Teams remain committed to working closely with Bedfordshire Police to tackle deliberate fire-setting and hold those responsible accountable.
"The Service attends a significant number of deliberate fires each year, and we want to send a clear message that this behaviour is completely unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance approach to arson. Deliberate fires put lives at risk, damage homes and businesses, impact local communities, and place unnecessary demands on emergency services. Through robust fire investigation, intelligence sharing, targeted prevention activity and partnership enforcement, we will continue to pursue all available lines of enquiry and support criminal proceedings wherever possible.
"We also encourage owners of vacant, derelict and other vulnerable properties to take practical steps to reduce the risk of arson, including securing access points, maintaining fencing, lighting and CCTV, removing combustible waste, and safely storing flammable materials.
"Preventing arson is a shared responsibility, and by working together we can reduce opportunities for deliberate fire-setting and help keep Bedfordshire safe."
How to report
Anyone with information is asked to report online at beds.police.uk/ro/report or call 101.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.