Three arrests made in connection with St James Retail Park fire
Road closures were put in place and fire crews from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service continue to tackle the blaze
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Police officers have made three arrests in connection with a fire at a Dunelm store at the St James Retail Park in Northampton.
The emergency services were called to the store off Towcester Road just after 3pm on 31 May 2025.
Road closures were put in place and fire crews from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service continue to tackle the blaze.
Fire crews worked into the evening and overnight to tackle the blaze which spread from the Dunelm building to the pet store next door. Neighbouring buildings are also suspected to have sustained smoke damage.
Although there are still small pockets of fire, the blaze is now contained, and fire crews expect to be damping down as the day progresses.
Detective chief inspector Andrew Tuff stated that the force believed the fire was started on purpose.
The three people that have now been arrested on suspicion of arson remain in police custody at this time.
Tuff said: “At the present time, we believe this fire to have been started deliberately and throughout the day, have made a number of fast-paced enquiries which has led to these three arrests.
“However, I now want to appeal to the public for any information which could help our investigation. If you were in, or near, the Dunelm store this afternoon and saw anything suspicious, please contact us.
He added: “I am particularly interested in speaking to a man who allegedly saw people setting fires in the Dunelm toilets a short time before the incident was reported.
“This incident has not only caused significant damage and disruption but will have had a very serious effect on the wellbeing of the local people who work in Dunelm and the surrounding stores. Therefore if anyone knows anything, I would please urge you to come forward.”
Additionally, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service stated that no casualties were reported.
Rich Walding, station commander, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This has been a very protracted incident which has required a large-scale response, but I am pleased to confirm that we have now managed to get this fire under control.
