Two teenage boys have been arrested after a huge fire at Poltimore House in Exeter. The blaze began in the early hours of Tuesday, April 11 and 10 fire engines tacked the blaze at its peak as the historic building burned through the night.
Devon and Cornwall Police believed the fire was started deliberately and launched an investigation following the blaze and on Wednesday, April 10, arrested two teenage boys on suspicion of arson. Both boys, aged 14 and 16, have been released on police bail until July 4, while further enquiries are made.
Fire crews battled the flames for hours on Tuesday and an emergency service presence remained at the scene following the launch of a police investigation. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police have arrested two people in connection to a fire at Poltimore House in Exeter."
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"Officers were notified of the fire overnight between Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April and later attended to assist the fire service. The cause of the fire was deemed to be suspicious, and an emergency service presence has remained at the scene.
"On Wednesday 10 April, two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of arson. They have been released on police bail until 4 July 2024 while enquiries are ongoing. We would like to thank the public for their assistance so far in this matter. Anyone with information, who hasn’t yet spoken to police, is asked to report it via our website or call 101 quoting occurrence number 50240083403."
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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the building was "fully involved in fire" when firefighters arrives on the scene. Crews from Torquay, Danes Castle, Cullompton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Ivybridge, Middlemoor and Bridgwater all attended, as flames poured from the building.
Despite being ravages by the blaze, a team of volunteers and charity trust members have promised to continue its mission to save the Grade II listed building.
