Two teenagers have pleaded guilty to starting a major fire at a former printworks during last summer's riots in Crewe, Cheshire. The fire caused widespread disruption and displaced hundreds of residents.
Two teenagers, James Evans, 19, and Justin Keeling, 18, admitted to starting a major fire at a former printworks during last summer's riots in Crewe , Cheshire. On the afternoon of Friday, August 9th, the pair entered the disused building and set a large pile of cardboard alight. The flames quickly spread, resulting in a major incident being declared. Keeling filmed some of the early stages of the fire on his mobile phone.
Police reported that after the blaze, the teenagers walked to Keeling's home, laughing and joking along the way.The fire, which occurred in the heart of Crewe town center, forced the evacuation of five streets and prompted a response from firefighters across Cheshire. They battled the blaze for several days, ultimately containing it. The fire caused widespread disruption and displaced hundreds of residents, who sought refuge in leisure centers or with friends and family. Cheshire Constabulary revealed that some families remain unable to return home. The force also stated that some police officers who responded to the scene suffered significant health issues, requiring time off work. During the incident, Keeling, who was among the onlookers, engaged in disruptive behavior, laughing at police, swearing at them, and inciting people to riot. Intriguingly, Keeling also gave an interview to the BBC as news organizations reported on the fire, expressing his own displacement and praising the community spirit that emerged in the aftermath. He claimed to have seen youths near the building, climbing over a gate onto Bedford Street, leading to the arrest of a 12-year-old boy who was later released without charge. Keeling later confessed to a friend that he had been inside the building with Evans and another man, Peter Lord, 20. The police were informed, leading to Keeling's arrest and subsequent release on bail. The discovery of Keeling's video footage on his seized mobile phone, showing a large amount of cardboard engulfed in flames, led to the arrest of Evans, Keeling, and Lord on suspicion of arson being reckless to endanger life. Evans and Keeling eventually pleaded guilty to the charge, while Lord was found not guilty after a trial. Keeling also admitted to perverting the course of justice. Police are still investigating the motive behind the fire, which occurred during a period of far-right riots across the country
ARSON RIOTS FIRE TEENAGERS EVACUATION CREWE CHESHIRE
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