Southampton fire: Third boy arrested on suspicion of arson

A third boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a four-storey building was destroyed by fire.

The blaze broke out on Tuesday at a commercial property being built in St Mary Street, Southampton, damaging neighbouring buildings.

Two boys, aged 11 and 13, were arrested on Thursday. A 12-year-old boy was detained later.

Police said all three boys have been questioned and released from custody pending further inquiries.

The fire started at about 14:00 GMT on the top floor of the vacant property and quickly engulfed the building.

More than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze, which damaged several shops and homes but caused no injuries.

A neighbouring block of flats was evacuated as the roof caught fire.

Southampton City Council said a total of 58 homes, in different buildings, had been made uninhabitable.

Only the people living in one home have so far been allowed to return.