Arson?
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THE CHEMICAL explosion at the warehouse of B&R Transport in Salford (CM, October 2) may have been started deliberately.
David Young (17) of Great Clowes Street, Salford and four juveniles aged 12, 13, 14 and 15, appeared before Salford Magistrates on Tuesday this week, charged with breaking into B&R's premises and stealing a box of currants. They were remanded until October 28.
The 14 and 15-year-olds are also charged with arson on the premises on the same night.
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire Brigade told CM that although the cause of the fire was now almost certain, he was unable to verify it as the matter is sub judice.
Demolition of the warehouse is over two-thirds complete, with work now approaching ground level, he said.
A plan for a public inquiry into the explosion has been dropped, and instead there will be a series of investigations by Health and Safety Executive factory inspectors from the Greater Manchester area.