A teenager has been arrested for arson after a fire left a historic Grade II-listed building in ruins.
The fire ripped through the landmark North Staffordshire building last night, leaving the roof and six floors wiped out.
Emergency services were called at 9.35pm on Friday to reports that The Big Mill on Mill Street, Leek, was on fire.
An 18-year-old man from Leek was arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He remains in custody, police said this morning.
Nearby homes were evacuated and six fire crews were needed to tackle the blaze at its height.
Photos show the building completely hollowed out by the fire, with its roof destroyed.
The building reportedly has planning permission for around 34 flats but is currently unoccupied.
Smoke was still rising from the building on Saturday morning.
Photos show the building completely hollowed out by the fire, with its roof destroyed
The fire ripped through the landmark North Staffordshire building last night, leaving the roof and six floors wiped out
Nearby homes were evacuated and six fire crews were needed to tackle the blaze at its height
Around 40 people had been evacuated and officers were in the nearby Co-op on West Street to arrange housing for those affected.
Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to protect themselves from the thick smoke coming from the building.
No one was hurt.
The historic mill was built in 1857 and housed the silk manufacturing firm Wardle and Davenport but is now one of many derelict mills in an area once renowned for its textile industry.
It represents one of the earliest mill buildings on this scale in Leek.
Two roads remained closed this morning following the devastating fire. The A523 Mill Street and Bellevue were closed in both directions.
The fire was seen as far as Sneyd Green, more than 8.5 miles away, and Brown Edge, six miles away.
Local councillor Joe Porter last night wrote online: ‘It’s incredibly sad to see Big Mill in flames tonight.
Smoke was still smouldering from the building on Saturday morning
The historic mill was built in 1857 and housed the silk manufacturing firm Wardle and Davenport but is now derelict
‘A Grade-II listed building and one of Leek’s most iconic landmarks, it has stood as part of the town’s story – and that of the wider Staffordshire Moorlands – for generations.
‘Historic buildings like this are more than bricks and mortar – they are pieces of our national heritage. Once they’re gone, they can never truly be replaced.
‘Too often, we see places like this left to deteriorate. Our historic buildings deserve better – they deserve protection, care, and a future.
‘Praying that everyone stays safe tonight, and a huge thank you to the firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, and emergency services working to tackle this devastating incident.’
Elsewhere, local Stephen Ellis wrote that he is ‘truly devastated for Leek. Such a sad and terrible sight to see. Huge loss’.
Melodie Forrester added: ‘Heart breaking. Hope everyone is safe. Sending much love to Leek.’
Joanne Jervis said: ‘This is SO sad.’
Lorraine Goodwin wrote: ‘Such a shame. My mum worked there many moons ago making stockings.’
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said there were still four crews on the site by midday on Saturday.
Station manager Jonathan Ashby said: ‘The fire is under control but has yet to be extinguished as crews are unable to enter the building at this time.
‘The large cordon is still in place and we’re expected to be in the area for some time whilst we work to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion.’
The fire service said that the cause will be determined after an investigation.
