Two arrested after arson attacks at derelict building in Luton
Two people have been arrested after a derelict building in Luton was repeatedly set alight.
Emergency services have been called to Old Bedford Road repeatedly over the past month, after fires were deliberately started inside the building.
The most recent was reported in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday).
Shortly after 3.20am, a man in his 20s and an 18-year-old were arrested near the scene on suspicion of arson not endangering life. They have since been bailed under strict conditions while enquiries continue.
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information that could support the ongoing investigation to come forward.
While no injuries have been reported, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to consider the potentially serious consequences of deliberately starting fires – along with the dangers derelect buildings can pose to anyone who goes into them.
Detective Constable Monika Golebiewska from Bedfordshire Police’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “We are continuing to investigate these incidents and urge anyone with information, or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries, to get in touch. Even information that may seem insignificant could prove vital to our investigation.
"In particular, we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area during the early hours of yesterday morning, as well as on Monday 3 August and Thursday 13 August."
"Incidents of this nature can have serious consequences for the wider community, affecting nearby residents and businesses, damaging property and placing unnecessary risk and demand on emergency services."
Group Commander Steve Sugars, head of prevention and service lead fire investigator from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Investigation and Prevention Teams remain committed to working closely with Bedfordshire Police to tackle deliberate fire-setting and hold those responsible accountable.
"The Service attends a significant number of deliberate fires each year, and we want to send a clear message that this behaviour is completely unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance approach to arson. Deliberate fires put lives at risk, damage homes and businesses, impact local communities, and place unnecessary demands on emergency services. Through robust fire investigation, intelligence sharing, targeted prevention activity and partnership enforcement, we will continue to pursue all available lines of enquiry and support criminal proceedings wherever possible.
"We also encourage owners of vacant, derelict and other vulnerable properties to take practical steps to reduce the risk of arson, including securing access points, maintaining fencing, lighting and CCTV, removing combustible waste, and safely storing flammable materials.
"Preventing arson is a shared responsibility, and by working together we can reduce opportunities for deliberate fire-setting and help keep Bedfordshire safe."
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to report online or call 101, quoting reference 40/50981/26. Information can also be reported anonymously via Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.