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Boy pleads not guilty to arson after Dunelm fire

Louise Parry
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Kirsty Connor Crowds of shoppers look on as emergency service workers attend a fire at a store in a retail park. Smoke can be seen billowing from the Dunelm store. Kirsty Connor
The fire destroyed units occupied by Dunelm and Pets at Home

A teenage boy has pleaded not guilty to arson in relation to a fire that destroyed businesses at a retail park.

The 15-year-old boy from Northampton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged after the fire took place at Nene Valley Retail Park, in Northampton, on 31 May.

He appeared before Wellingborough Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and denied committing arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

He was given conditional bail. Two other boys aged 14 also remain on conditional bail.

A further hearing will take place at the same court on 2 September.

Anthony King Smoke flume starting from ground level on the left and spreading out as it goes up towards the right. The buildings of Northampton can be seen below, some with lights on as the daylight is fadingAnthony King
Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles around

The fire destroyed a Dunelm home furnishings store and a Pets at Home outlet which included a Vets for Pets surgery.

Some staff from the Dunelm shop have temporarily been redeployed to nearby stores including those in Kettering and Wellingborough.

Nearby units including B&M, Tapis Carpets and Dreams remain closed, with Dreams saying it hopes to reopen by the end of the year.

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