Police say Thurmaston Shopping Village fire was 'started deliberately'

A major fire at Thurmaston Shopping Centre over the weekend was believed to have been started deliberately, police have said.

Eight fire engines along with two aerial appliances and other sepcialist fire resources were sent to the scene in the early hours of Saturday morning (20th June).

Leicestershire Police say they were called to the fire just after 4:15am on Saturday morning following reports of a fire.

Officers attended alongside Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service.

A dramatic aerial view on Saturday afternoon following the fire. Photo: NEMM

A spokesperson for the force said: "The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and enquiries are continuing. We would ask anyone with information to contact police, quoting reference 26*359496."

No injuries were reported in the blaze which took firefighters most of Saturday to bring under control.

Six untis have been affected including Greggs and Card Factory with Mountain Warehouse appearing to be the worst affeceted.

Firefighters from across the county were sent to fight the blaze. Photo: NEMM

Specialist demolition teams have started to demolish the Mountain Warehouse site after the roof partially collapsed during the fire.

M&S also remains closed on the site. NEMM understands that some staff have been redeployed to other stores or been told to use annual leave.

Other units further away from the fire including Pure Gym, Hobby Craft, Superdrug and Boots are all open as normal.

Teams were working to demolish some of the buildings on Monday morning. Photo: NEMM

Anyone with information on the fire is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101 quoting reference 26*359496