Boys, 12 and 15, held over former restaurant fire

Two boys aged 12 and 15 have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a large fire at a former restaurant.

Multiple fire crews were called out to the blaze on Old Great North Road in Brotherton, near Knottingley, at about 22:15 BST on Monday.

Officers said no reports of any injuries or missing people had been received but a full search of the property would be carried out once safe to do so.

The two suspects, arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, remain in custody, North Yorkshire Police said.

The empty building had previously been occupied by Thaal Indian Restaurant, which closed its doors in February after 20 years at the site.

Crews from West Yorkshire, as well as Selby, Tadcaster and York, attended the blaze, which at its peak measured 25m by 20m (82ft by 66ft).

Considerable damage, including a collapsed roof, has been caused to the property.

The fire service confirmed the fire had since been extinguished, with checks for any remaining hotspots completed.

"A crew from Acomb, supported by an aerial ladder platform, remains at the scene to assist with the ongoing fire investigation," a spokesperson said.

"While roads in the area have now reopened, the footpath surrounding the building remains closed."

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service had earlier urged people living nearby to keep windows shut.

Posting on social media, a spokesperson for the former restaurant said: "We've woken up to the heartbreaking news that our old Thaal Brotherton building has caught fire.

"That building wasn't just a building to us - it was a huge part of the Thaal story.

"For 20 years, from 2006, we shared countless memories there with our staff, customers, families and friends.

"So many laughs, celebrations, busy nights, special occasions and unforgettable moments happened within those walls.

"We're thinking of everyone involved and hope everyone is safe."

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