12-year-old girl arrested for massive fire at abandoned Debenhams store

In England, a significant fire occurred at an abandoned Debenhams department store in Canterbury on Monday evening, capturing the attention of local authorities and the public. Witness reports suggest that the blaze was intense, necessitating a robust fire response comprising eight fire engines, two ladder vehicles, and approximately 50 firefighters to effectively manage and extinguish the flames. Due to the magnitude of the fire, nearby roads were closed off, and residents of properties close to the store were evacuated to ensure their safety while firefighting efforts were underway. Following the fire, Kent Police initiated an investigation leading to multiple arrests. There were three individuals arrested, including a 12-year-old girl apprehended on Wednesday evening. The police have indicated that this is part of an ongoing inquiry aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The girl was subsequently released on bail while further inquiries are pending. Prior to her arrest, police apprehended two teenage boys in connection with the fire; a 15-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday and released on bail, while another 15-year-old from Ashford was arrested on Wednesday and later released without charge. The former Debenhams store, which has stood derelict since 2021, is a poignant symbol of the broader economic challenges facing retail in the UK. The closure of all Debenhams stores marked the end of a significant chapter in British retail history, as the brand had been a retail fixture for 242 years. The company's collapse in late 2020 was attributed not only to its long-term struggles with adapting to changing consumer habits but also significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The store closures left approximately 23,000 people unemployed, reflecting the challenging landscape of high street retail that has been deteriorating for years. Authorities have appealed for witnesses or anyone with further information regarding the fire to step forward. They have expressed gratitude towards those who have already provided details. The fire investigation continues to uncover the key elements behind this incident, as the community remains unsettled by the occurrence of such a devastating fire at a prominent yet abandoned location in their town.