Five arrested for arson after fire destroyed a 150-year-old mill used in Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey

FIVE people have been arrested on suspected arson after a fire ripped through a 150-year-old mill used at Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.

The historic Dalton Mills building in Keighley, West Yorkshire, had gone up in flames on Thursday.

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West Yorkshire Police said five youths had been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Inspector John Barker said: “I would like to thank all the emergency services and partners for the swift action taken at this historic building yesterday afternoon.

“There was a significant risk to the public and we worked together to minimize that risk by extinguishing the fire and making the building safe.

“We quickly identified suspects and made five arrests.

“I would like to thank the residents in the area for their patience, officers from our neighborhood police are supporting our colleagues from the local fire brigade today.

“Dalton Lane will remain closed today and remain closed through the weekend.

“I would like to ask anyone who has information about the fire or who has seen anything suspicious to come forward.”

It is believed that the fire started in the building, which was built in 1869.

Firefighting equipment from all over West Yorkshire was sent there
deal with the fire.

Shocking images and videos show the colossal flames tearing through the landmark building while thick black smoke fills the air.

The building was once the largest textile factory in Yorkshire, but was most recently used as a film set for hit TV shows such as Peaky Blinders.

Bradford District Commander Benjy Bush said that BBC: “It was a really wild challenging fire, we had 20 fire engines and two air units here, the police and ambulance were on site as were the utilities and Bradford City Council.

“We will not be bringing firefighters into the building as it is structurally unsafe.

“The building could possibly be saved, but that’s up to the structural engineers.”

The historic mill was built by Joseph Craven in 1869, replacing the original 1780’s mill and providing employment to workers from across the region.

A description from production company Screen Yorkshire states: “The distinctive mills offer a range of large rooms and historical features, including a large courtyard and a recently refurbished clock tower.

“It is able to accommodate on-site production offices and workshops and has appropriate parking for the facilities’ vehicles.

“Dalton Mills is building a solid reputation as a film location thanks to its diverse range of industrial sites that offer both historical industrial settings and sets, ideal for historical drama.”

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