Two boys arrested after large fire breaks out in Nottingham city centre
Twelve fire engines attended the blaze at its height on Market Street
Two boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a large-scale fire broke out in Nottingham city centre.
The fire happened just after 10pm on Monday 5th October, at a building on Market Street, just above Escobar.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was supported by officers from Nottinghamshire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Officers closed Upper Parliament Street, Goldsmith Street, Market Street and the surrounding area to protect the public, and some properties were evacuated while fire crews dealt with the blaze.
Two boys, aged 14 and 12, were arrested on suspicion of arson and remain in police custody.
Officers are supporting the fire service while a thorough investigation is under way to determine the cause of the fire.
City commander Superintendent Chris Pearson said the incident "caused large-scale disruption to Nottingham city centre last night, but luckily no one was seriously injured".
"This is testament to the combined work of all emergency services coming together to protect the public from harm," Superintendent Pearson said.
"While we are in the early stages of the investigation to determine how the fire was caused, we have arrested two boys on suspicion of arson and criminal damage," he said.
"These arrests were made very quickly after we were called to the incident," Superintendent Pearson said.
"Anyone who has not already spoken to us and has any information that could help with our investigation, including dash cam or mobile phone footage, is being asked to call 101 quoting the incident number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," he said.
Group Manager of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Richard Leighton, said emergency services were called to the fire just after 10pm, and that at the height of the incident, twelve fire engines were in attendance.
"Crews worked extremely hard throughout the night to get the fire under control, and they're still working to ensure there are no hot spots throughout the building," Mr Leighton said.
"A fire investigation will commence later today to assist Nottinghamshire Police with their investigations," he said.