Thurrock: Arrest after fire at Lakeside shopping centre

Officers investigating a fire at Lakeside shopping centre arrested a teenage boy on suspicion of arson.

Essex Fire Service colleagues were initially called out to the fire, in a stairwell of a multi-story car park, shortly before 3pm on Sunday 7 July.

Their investigation revealed suspicious circumstances around the incident and we were alerted.

Our officers attended and conducted enquiries around CCTV and forensic opportunities at the scene.

As a result of this work, a 17-year-old boy, from Grays, was arrested on Tuesday 9 July on suspicion of arson.

He was questioned and released on bail with conditions attached while our enquiries continue.

Sergeant Amelia Moore, of Thurrock Community Policing Team, said:

“We are aware of the public concern connected to this fire and we have worked hard with our fire service colleagues to investigate the cause.
“We maintain a presence at Lakeside throughout the year and will continue to work with partners to ensure visitors to this busy shopping centre feel safe.”

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