Hunt for mystery pair steps up 19 days after Meir flats arson attack
Police have launched a new appeal for CCTV, dashcam footage and witnesses after an arson attack on a block of flats in Stoke-on-Trent. Officers have been trying to trace a hooded duo seen walking away from the building in Meir in the early hours of the morning.
But 19 days on from the devastating blaze, they are no closer to identifying the suspects. A fresh plea has now been issued for any footage of the mystery pair at around the time the fire broke out.
One was described as wearing a white or grey jacket and the other wore dark clothing. Both had their hoods up.
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Residents had been forced to evacuate as flames engulfed the two-storey building, on Henderson Grove, off Brookwood Drive, at around 4am on September 11. Some will not be able to return to their homes for 'many months' due to the extent of the damage.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We are appealing for information, CCTV and any relevant dashcam footage relating to two possible suspects we believe may have been involved in a deliberate fire at a block of flats in Meir recently.
"Our colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled a blaze at the flats on Brookwood Drive on September 11. Two people were rescued by fire crews and all the other residents were evacuated safely.
"Fire investigators have since determined that the fire was caused deliberately. As part of our ongoing investigation into the fire, we would like to speak to anyone who may have been driving through the Meir area between 3am and 4am on 11 September.
"We’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage of the area at the times specified, or anyone who may have seen two individuals acting suspiciously.
"We would also like to appeal to anyone who lives in the local area, or any nearby businesses, to check their CCTV cameras and doorbell footage and get in touch with us."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 63 of September 11. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.