Two arrested in arson probe

Homes had to be evacuated after smoke was spotted pouring out of Snappers on Poulton Street, Kirkham, as flames engulfed the building.

And today police confirmed two men had been arrested on suspicion of arson.

The 36-year-old and 35-year-old, who are both from Chorley, have now been released on police bail until March 25.

Flames engulfed the fish and chip shop in the early hours of Friday, December 28 and also spread to the flat above, which was empty at the time.

Neighbours were also forced from their homes after local councillor Keith Beckett raised the alarm after spotting the fire on his way home from the pub.

Coun Elaine Silverwood, who also runs bookshop and cafe Silverdell on Poulton Street, said: “If it turns out to be arson it is always a shock.

“It’s very sad, particularly if there were people living above and next door.

“I’m just very relieved no-one was hurt.”

Coun Beckett described how he alerted the fire service at around 12.40am, by which time the takeaway was “all lit up inside” and looked “quite scary”.

Black smoked poured down Kirkham’s high street and it took fire crews around three hours to extinguish the blaze.

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