Investigations continue following Uckfield High Street fire

Police are carrying out further inquiries into a major fire that broke out on Uckfield High Street in Sussex on the evening of Sunday September 2nd.

Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson two days later, but they have now been bailed until September 15th. Officers are still appealing for witnesses.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 11pm where a bin at the rear of a shop on the street had been set alight, spreading to the roof of the building.

Ian Ritchie from Uckfield Fire Station explained that because there was a common roof void across the top of some of the properties, the flames were able to spread through them rapidly.

Five buildings were damaged by the blaze, one of which will have to be party demolished as it is deemed unsafe following the incident.

Offering fire safety advice to local businesses, Mr Ritchie urged them to store their refuse in a safe manner away from their premises, and to consider using lockable commercial bins.