Food factory blaze: Police arrest 14-year-old boy

Flames enveloped a warehouse on Selby Salads’ food manufacturing site in North Yorkshire at about 6.30pm on Sunday (September 20).

Despite the efforts of fire crews, the blaze also spread to a second building believed to be offices at the site in Camblesforth, Selby.

Last night officers arrested a 14-year-old boy as part of an investigation into the cause of the fire, which was being treated as “suspicious”. The teenager has been bailed as enquiries continue.

‘Extensive damage’

“This was a large fire that has caused extensive damage,” a North Yorkshire Police spokesman said.  

“Extensive enquiries are underway, and we need to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident.”

Dramatic footage posted on Twitter showed tall flames and plumes of dark smoke at the food factory site on Sunday. See below.

‘Crucial evidence’

Police would like to speak to anyone who was near the factory and any drivers who were in and around Camblesforth that evening.

“Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could be crucial evidence that could assist the investigation,” the police spokesman said.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a large number of fire crews used jets and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire.

“The fire caused 100% damage to the warehouse, and spread to a second building (believed to be offices),” the fire service said.

“Investigations into the cause of the fire will continue on September 21.”

Firefighters were called to the blaze at about 6.30pm, had the fire surrounded by 8.15pm and left the site at about 11.50pm on Sunday.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for the Harrogate serious crime team.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Please quote reference number number 12150166651.

Meanwhile, a fire ravaged a wholesale market in Birmingham and a powder explosion burnt a worker in Staffordshire in August.