Preston Odeon/Tokyo Jo's fire latest as Lancashire Police give update on arson investigation

The spectacular blaze in Church Street on May 19 took hours to bring under control, with 12 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms called in from across Lancashire.

It was one of four incidents of arson in empty city centre buildings in a matter of days - the others were at the former St Joseph's Orphanage in Mount Street, the former British Home Stores premises on Fishergate and a previous fire at the Odeon which was quickly brought under control.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire-ravaged building has since been demolished and there are plans to build a 134-space pay-and-display car park in its place.

Three boys from Preston – two aged 14 and the other aged 16 - were later arrested on suspicion of ‘arson endangering life’.

After being interviewed by detectives, the boys were bailed under investigation. One of the boys was bailed to June 1 and another to June 17, whilst a third boy was bailed to June 24.

They have since been released under investigation. No charges have been made.

“It looks like the boys are released under investigation and enquiries are still very much ongoing,” a police spokesman told the Post.

The force has not said whether it is looking for any other suspects in connection with the fire and no further updates were provided.

Anybody with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1347 of May 19.