Two boys, 13, in custody as fire rips through UK shopping centre with M&S destroyed

Police were called to the shopping centre in Barkby Thorpe Lane following reports of a fire just after 4.15am on Saturday, June 20. Two boys have now been

Abigail Hunt Content Editor and Jasmine Siddon

14:52, 24 Jun 2026

[The flames engulfed the shopping centre and its units]

The flames engulfed the shopping centre and its units(Image: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service)

Two teenage lads have been nicked in relation to the blaze that ripped through Thurmaston Shopping Centre near Leicester over the weekend.

Police were alerted to the shopping centre on Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston, following reports of a fire just after 4.15am on Saturday, June 20. Eight fire engines, two aerial appliances and over 40 firefighters were dispatched to combat the inferno.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. An ongoing probe has resulted in the arrest of two boys on suspicion of arson, reports Leicestershire Live. The duo, both 13 years old, are currently being held in police custody.

[Police were alerted to the shopping centre on Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston, following reports of a fire just after 4.15am on Saturday, June 20]

Police were alerted to the shopping centre on Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston, following reports of a fire just after 4.15am on Saturday, June 20(Image: Facebook)

Demolition work has kicked off at the site after the fire devastated six units, including M&S and Greggs.

Leicestershire Police stated that the fire service is still working to determine the cause of the incident and will continue to do so.

Officers said it's being treated as suspected arson, as they also continue conducting a number of enquiries.

[Eight fire engines, two aerial appliances and over 40 firefighters were dispatched to combat the inferno.]

Eight fire engines, two aerial appliances and over 40 firefighters were dispatched to combat the inferno(Image: Facebook)

The force mentioned this includes reviewing CCTV footage in the area.

DI Jim Willoughby said: "The fire service is still working to determine the exact cause of the fire but in order to ensure no possible evidential opportunities are lost, we have been carrying out a number of enquiries and are currently treating the fire as a suspected arson attack.

"Part of this work has included speaking to people who were in the area at the time and reviewing CCTV in and around the shopping centre.

[Two boys have been arrested in connection]

Two boys have been arrested in connection

"This has led to the arrest of two boys who will now be questioned by police."

Anyone with information should ring Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting reference 26*359496.

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