Two Arrested After Large Goldenhill Fire in Stoke-on-Trent

Police have arrested a man and a woman following a large fire in Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent, which affected four homes and several gardens.

Staffordshire Police said the arrests were made on Friday, 14 August, as officers continued to investigate the fire, which broke out the previous afternoon.

Emergency services were called shortly before 4.15pm on Thursday after Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to a grass fire behind Maureen Avenue. The fire was reportedly spreading rapidly before firefighters brought the situation under control.

Four homes were affected by the blaze, along with a number of gardens. A community centre was also used to provide support to people who had been evacuated or otherwise affected by the incident.

Police said enquiries continued overnight, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, both from Stoke-on-Trent. They have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Detective Inspector Emma Kempson, from Staffordshire Police's criminal investigations department, said officers had been working quickly to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

A temporary support location for evacuated residents has now moved from Goldenhill Community Centre on Drummond Street to Goldenhill Working Men’s Club on Mobberley Road. Police are continuing to work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to support people affected.

Officers remain in the Goldenhill area while the investigation continues.

Police have also urged residents to come forward with any information that could help establish how the fire started.

Anyone with information can contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or via Live Chat, quoting incident 624 of 13 August.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the two people arrested have not been charged. As such, no conclusion should be drawn about their involvement unless and until further evidence is presented.