Boys bailed over shopping centre fire and car damage

Three 13-year-old boys who were arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a shopping centre in Leicestershire have also been detained on suspicion of damaging cars.

More than 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at Thurmaston Shopping Centre shortly after 04:15 BST on Saturday.

Greggs, Mountain Warehouse, cardfactory and Claire's all suffered major damage and have since been demolished. No-one was injured.

Leicestershire Police said in addition to arson, the teenagers were also questioned about criminal damage to cars in Melton Road in Thurmaston, and Fosse Way and Wanlip Road in Syston. They have since been bailed while investigation work continues.

A fire service investigation into the blaze remains ongoing.

Det Insp Jim Willoughby, from Leicestershire Police, said: "The fire service is still working to determine the exact cause of the fire but in order to ensure no possible evidential opportunities are lost, we have been carrying out a number of inquiries and are currently treating the fire as a suspected arson attack.

"Part of this work has included speaking to people who were in the area at the time and reviewing CCTV in and around the shopping centre. This has led to the arrest of three boys."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

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