Hotpoint factory fire: Five teenagers arrested
Written by News on 31/08/2019
Five teenagers aged between 15 and 19 have been arrested after a raging fire tore through lorry trailers at a washing machine factory in Peterborough.
Explosions were heard from miles away as large clouds of black smoke shrouded the city.
The fire at the Hotpoint factory in Shrewsbury Avenue damaged or destroyed 48 trailers at an estimated cost of £2m.
Witnesses reported on social media hearing explosions as torrents of dark smoke were visible for miles across the city.
“Insane fire in Peterborough currently. Can see it from miles away too. Thinking it’s Hotpoint in the Woodston area?” one Twitter user wrote.
Another said: “Hotpoint on fire. So many explosions. Hope all are safe.”
Residents were warned to keep their doors and windows closed.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service posted images showing around trailers completely gutted by fire at around 9pm on Thursday – around two hours after they were called to the incident.
Police asked people to stay clear of the area and said temporary road closures were in place in Shrewsbury Avenue, Morley Way and Celta Road.
(c) Sky News 2019: Hotpoint factory fire: Five teenagers arrested
