Boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of arson after huge blaze tears through building

A teenage boy has been arrested after a huge blaze ripped through a unit at the Loco Works in Horwich. The fire, that caused huge clouds of smoke to be seen for miles, was reported on the evening of June 17.

Fire crews and police attended the scene of the incident off Chorley New Road before an investigation into the cause was launched. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and arson.

The teenager was apprehended on Sunday (July 2) after officers attended reports of a property alarm going off at a unit. A security guard also had their car window smashed in.

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Police said the teenager has been arrested in connection with the incident on Sunday, as well as the previous arson attack at the Loco Works on June 17. Another male was seen running away from the scene, with enquiries ongoing to identify them.

Pictures taken on a drone camera from the evening of the blaze show thick plumes of smoke overhead that could be seen for miles as fire crews worked to tackle the flames.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers from the Bolton West Neighbourhood Team have arrested a boy on suspicion of burglary and arson."This afternoon (Sunday 2nd July 2023), officers attended reports of a property alarm going off at a unit at Horwich Loco Works. A security guard who had also attended had their car window smashed at the site."A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with this incident, as well as an arson at the Loco Works on the 17th of June 2023. A second male was seen to make off from the site. Enquiries are ongoing to identify them. The 14-year-old