A large fire broke out at The Big Mill in Leek on Friday (27 March). 

An 18-year-old man from Leek, was arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. 

In a statement on social media on Sunday (29 March), Staffordshire Moorlands Police said that he has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue. 

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the fire at the Grade II listed building at 9:22pm on Friday 27 March "when smoke and flames were seen coming out of the building on Mill Street." 

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At its height, up to six crews worked to contain the blaze alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police." 

As a result of the fire there was a large cordon in place and some residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes. 

In a statement made on social media on Sunday (29 March), a spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Demolition work at the Old Mill in Leek has now finished for the evening and will resume tomorrow morning.  

"Cadent has confirmed that the gas supply has been safely isolated. However, if you notice a strong smell of gas, please call the Emergency Gas Line on 0800 111 999 immediately.  

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"Residents of Shade Mill are now able to return to their homes, but vehicles cannot be brought on site as the car park is currently reserved for emergency services. 

"Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will be contacting residents who were temporarily rehoused." 

Staffordshire Police has urged anyone with relevant information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to call them on 101 quoting incident number 733 of 27 March or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.