Camelot fire - Lancashire Police dispute fire service claims of arson at former theme park

Lancashire Police have disputed claims made by the fire service that a blaze at the former Camelot theme park was a suspected arson.

Fire crews were called to the grounds of the derelict amusement park next to Park Hall at 2.30pm on Sunday (June 7), where a fierce blaze engulfed a castle-themed building made of timber.

The building was formerly a food court and soft play centre during the Camelot era, but was most recently used as part of the interactive horror attraction, Scare City Experience, who leased the site from landowner Story Homes.

Firefighters tackled the blaze with jets and remained at the scene for around three hours. The building was destroyed in the fire, but no injuries were reported.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service told the Post they believe the fire was started deliberately, and said Lancashire Police were called to the scene.

But today, the police force disputed the fire service account of the incident and said there was no suspicion of arson and there will not be an investigation into the cause.

Who’s right and who’s wrong?

The Post has sought clarification from both sides and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have reasserted their belief that the fire WAS deliberate.

A spokesperson for LFRS - speaking on behalf of the Officer in Charge who was in attendance at the scene - said: “It is believed the fire was started deliberately. Just to confirm, Lancashire Police were in attendance also.

“We have just confirmed our statement to Lancashire Police.”

The Post has approached the force for further comment.

What do Story Homes say?

The site’s landowner, Story Homes, has also been approached for comment.

In June 2025, the developer announced the submission of an outline planning application to Chorley Council for a new 350-home residential development on the site.