Police hunt 'hooded' duo seen walking away from arson-hit flats

-Credit: (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
-Credit: (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)


Police are treating a fire at a block of flats in Stoke-on-Trent as arson. Residents were forced to evacuate as flames engulfed the two-storey building, on Henderson Grove in Meir, off Brookwood Drive, at around 4am yesterday (September 11).

Some have been warned that they face being homeless for 'many months' due to the extent of the damage.

Now an investigation has revealed that the blaze was started deliberately. Officers are keen to trace two people seen walking away from the flats towards Lansbury Grove at the time the fire broke out.

READ MORE:'It was like a flaming movie' - Police storm Hanley bus to 'restrain' passenger

READ MORE:Armed police swarm street in Stoke-on-Trent murder probe

One is described as wearing a white or grey jacket and the other wore dark clothing. Both had their hoods up.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We are treating the fire at flats in Meir yesterday morning as arson. If you saw anyone suspicious in the area at the time or anyone who may have any information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage that can help with our investigation, please get in touch."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said it was working 'extremely hard' to re-home families affected by the fire into temporary accommodation in the city. Residents from less-affected properties were able to move back into their homes yesterday afternoon, once the power was restored.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the council officers who acted quickly in the early hours of this morning to arrange help for those residents who have been affected by this terrible incident.

“Our officers are continuing to work hard today to support residents with everything from providing advice and reassurance to food vouchers, sourcing phone chargers, ensuring they have access to medication and ensuring they – and their pets - can be re-housed as quickly as possible. Two people received medical treatment following the incident and I would like to wish them well in their recovery.

“We will continue to assist Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as they continue to make the area safe and investigate the incident, and would encourage anyone who has any information about the fire to get in touch with them."

Witnesses should call 101, quoting incident 63 of September 11 or use Live Chat on the force's website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up to our main daily newsletter here and get all the latest news straight to your inbox for FREE