Two boys, 11 and 12, arrested on suspicion of arson over devastating Hull fire

Dramatic images show the devastating impact and destruction after fire ravaged through a terrace of prefab houses.Dramatic images show the devastating impact and destruction after fire ravaged through a terrace of prefab houses.
Dramatic images show the devastating impact and destruction after fire ravaged through a terrace of prefab houses. | other

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Two boys aged 11 and 12 have been arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life after a fire ripped through six houses.

A number of the properties were seriously damaged after the fire broke out on May 1.

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Aerial images show the skeletal remains of the terraced houses in Hull and reveal the interior destruction.

The average house price in the area is around £60,000 and it's estimated the blaze may have caused up to £300,000 worth of damage.

Humberside Police announced two children were arrested in relation to the fire and released under investigation.

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Investigators are still working to establish the cause and say they're looking to speak to a man spotted walking away from the area at the time.

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A force spokesman said: "Two boys, aged 12 and 11, who were initially arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life and have been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

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"We are also keen to speak to a man seen walking away from the area at the time of the fire, who has yet to come forward."

The fire left at least six homes completely uninhabitable and forced 100 residents who live nearby to temporarily leave their homes for their own safety.

Children's toys were pictured strewn and melted in surrounding gardens, while the windows of the homes smashed.

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Locals were alerted to the drama when smoke began billowing out into the streets at around 11.30am on Friday.

Photographer Dean Gellatly, 50, was one of those who came out of his home to witness the black clouds of smoke hanging over the estate.

He said: "It was harrowing - you couldn't see. There were cars pulling over at the side and people stopping in the streets because you could not see anything but black smoke."

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It is believed the fire started in an empty house in the terraced row of prefabs in Stroud Crescent East - and then spread to the adjoining houses.

Eight fire engines and 40 firefighters attended the scene. Nobody was injured or trapped in the fire.

Anyone with information about the blaze is urged to call the non-emergency 101 line quoting incident number 16/49581/20 or call Crimestoppers 0800 555111.

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