'Naked flame' sparked Meir flats fire as police still to make any arrests

Arsonists used a 'naked flame' to start a fire which ripped through a Stoke-on-Trent flats complex and forced residents out of their homes. Police have revealed the cause of Wednesday morning's fire - on Henderson Grove, in Meir - as they are still to make any arrests.

They particularly want to trace two 'hooded' men seen heading towards Lansbury Grove following the 4am fire. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has warned it could be months before some residents are allowed to return home.

It is thought that the fire started in a bin store before spreading to the properties. Two casualties needed hospital treatment.

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A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Following a fire investigation, the cause of the fire has been deemed to be deliberate after it appears a flammable material came into contact with a naked flame."

Witnesses should call the police on 101, quoting incident 63 of September 11 or use Live Chat on the force's website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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