Eight boys, aged between 13 and 16, have been arrested following a fire at the former Marks & Spencer (M&S) building on Andover High Street on Monday afternoon (12 October).
Hampshire Police were called to the derelict building at 3.12pm following reports of a fire, which prompted a significant emergency services response in the town centre.
Two boys, aged 14 and 15, both from Andover, have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
A further five boys, three aged 15, one aged 13 and another aged 16, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
An eighth boy, aged 14, has also been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and obstructing or resisting a police officer in the execution of their duty.
All eight boys are from Andover and remain in police custody while enquiries continue.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said:
“Police were called at 3.12pm on Monday, October 12, to reports of a fire in a building on the High Street, Andover.
“Eight people, all from Andover, have been arrested in connection with this incident.”
Firefighters from across the region respond
Fire crews from Andover, Sutton Scotney and Winchester were mobilised shortly after 3.15pm, alongside firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The blaze broke out inside the former M&S building, involving debris between the ground and first floors of the property.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose-reel jets and main jets to extinguish the flames.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the stop message was received at 7.20pm, more than four hours after emergency services were initially called.
A spokesperson for the fire service said:
“Firefighters tackled a fire at a derelict building on Andover High Street yesterday afternoon.
“Crews from Andover, Sutton Scotney and Winchester were called shortly after 3.15pm, alongside firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.”
Firefighters returned to the scene later that evening to carry out further safety checks.
No signs of smoke or remaining hotspots were discovered, and the fire service confirmed that no further inspections were necessary.
Joint investigation underway
Police and fire investigators are now working together to establish the circumstances surrounding the blaze at the former town centre department store.
Although eight arrests have been made, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
No further information about the extent of the damage to the building has been released.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed:
“A joint investigation by police and the fire service into the cause of the fire is ongoing.”
Love Andover will continue to follow developments and provide further updates as more information becomes available.