Leek mill fire: Teenager arrested after blaze tears through listed building

Police in Staffordshire during World War II. He said a young man was arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out in a listed factory.

Following a fire at Big Mill in the market town of Leek on Friday evening, residents in the surrounding area were evacuated as a precaution.

Staffordshire Police said in a statement that they were called at around 21.35 to report that the historic building was on fire.

Police said an 18-year-old man from Leek was arrested on suspicion of arson for recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He remains in custody.

The Historic England website says the six-storey building was built around 1860 and is an important example of a large-scale mill used in the silk industry.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said they were still working at the scene on Saturday after receiving information at 9.22pm on Friday that “smoke and flames were seen coming from the building in Mill Street”.

Six crews worked to contain the fire to its highest point, and four crews remained there until midday on Saturday.

The fire brigade stated that the fire was under control, but could not be extinguished yet because firefighters could not enter the building.

It was reported that no one was injured.

Residents living nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to “excessive smoke still coming from the building.”

Station manager Jonathan Ashby said: “The fire is under control but has not yet been extinguished as crews are currently unable to enter the building.

“The major cordon remains in place and we are expected to be in the area for some time as we work to conclude the incident safely and quickly.”

The fire department said that the cause of the fire will be determined after the investigation.