Overview
- Firefighters tackled The Big Mill in Leek after Friday night’s blaze gutted the six‑storey, Grade II‑listed mill and forced evacuations and road closures.
- By Saturday the incident was under control, though crews could not enter the structure and a damaged gas main was left to burn off under Cadent’s guidance.
- Police arrested an 18‑year‑old on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and on Sunday released him on conditional bail as inquiries continue.
- Demolition teams began dismantling unsafe sections on Sunday and the work is set to continue Monday, with cordons in place and some residents still rehoused.
- The 19th‑century former silk mill had stood derelict with permission for 34 flats, and its loss has hit locals who relied on council and community support points during the emergency.