Man arrested on suspicion of arson after major fire at Blackpool town centre café Coffee Americano
A man in his 50s has been arrested.
A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and drink driving following a fire at a property in Blackpool town centre.
Lancashire Police have confirmed that officers were called just before 7pm yesterday, September 7, to a report of a fire at a commercial property on Abingdon Street believed to be Coffee Americano.
Officers attended the scene and a man in his 50s was arrested nearby on suspicion of arson and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He remains in custody while police enquiries continue.
“We received a report of a fire at a property on Abingdon Street, Blackpool, shortly after 6:50pm yesterday evening (7th September),” read a police statement. “We, along with our fire service colleagues, attended the scene and the fire has since been extinguished. Thankfully no one was injured.
“Following initial enquiries, at around 3:15am we stopped a vehicle at the junction of Common Edge Road and Progress Way. A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and drink driving. He remains in custody.
“An investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information or footage that can assist our enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting log 1139 of 7th September.”
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The arrest follows a major blaze at a commercial building on Abingdon Street believed to be Coffee Americano, which was tackled by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service crews on Monday evening.
Three fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore and Bispham attended the incident at 6.56pm and, according to authorities, firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.
With crews remaining at the scene for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, a police presence in the area following the incident remained this morning, with the junction of Talbot Road and Abingdon Street initially closed and cordoned before the roads were reopened.
Lancashire Police is appealing for information as enquiries continue. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 1139 of September 7, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.