Arrest after major fire tears through Leek's historic Big Mill

An 18-year-old male has been detained following a significant fire incident at The Big Mill, a historic Grade II listed building located on Mill Street in Leek, Staffordshire. The blaze prompted the evacuation of several nearby residences as a precautionary measure. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed six fire engines to tackle the fire, which started at 21:22 GMT on Friday evening.

Authorities revealed that the young man, a local resident of Leek, was arrested on suspicion of arson with reckless disregard for life. At the peak of the response, six firefighting crews were engaged in efforts to control the flames, with four teams still actively managing the scene at the time of the report. Station Manager Jonathan Ashby confirmed that while the fire is now under control, it has not yet been fully extinguished due to restrictions preventing safe entry into the building. A large safety perimeter remains in place, with firefighters expected to remain on-site for an extended period to ensure the incident is fully resolved.

Residents in proximity to the mill have been advised to keep windows and doors shut to minimize exposure to lingering smoke. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries related to the fire. Fire officials received an overwhelming 118 calls concerning the incident, and by 23:00, witnesses described the derelict mill as appearing “completely burned out.” Staffordshire Moorlands Police provided assistance at a nearby Co-op on West Street, arranging accommodations and support for those displaced, with approximately ten individuals requiring evacuation, according to local councillor Bill Cawley.

The Big Mill, a six-storey structure with a bell tower dating back to 1860, is one of Leek’s earliest large-scale mill buildings. Although it ceased milling operations in the 1980s and later housed a pine manufacturing workshop, it has been abandoned since 2007. Councillor Cawley, representing Leek West, noted prior warnings about safety risks and antisocial behavior at the site. He highlighted two previous fires discussed in an August meeting involving fire service and environmental health representatives, during which flammable materials—such as wood, cardboard, and even a petrol can—were cleared from the building’s basement. Additionally, young people were seen accessing the roof in December 2024. Cawley expressed frustration with the local council’s slow response to redevelopment plans, citing delays from the developer in providing a requested structural report and a poorly managed online planning meeting last August.

The developer, Mr. Choudhury, expressed sadness to the BBC over the fire, emphasizing the extensive effort made to restore the building and noting recent security measures intended to enhance safety. He added that English Heritage had recognized the building as worthy of rescue and had requested internal photographs, which were shared with the council. The mill remains an important historical landmark to the community, with locals mourning its damage. One resident described it as “a piece of Leek’s history,” while another lamented the lack of action from councils to prevent the deterioration of such buildings.

Councillor Joe Porter described witnessing the fire as “incredibly sad,” emphasizing that historic structures represent shared heritage that, once lost, cannot be replaced. Local businesses echoed this sentiment, with The Artisan Cave noting a “quiet shock” among town residents and describing The Big Mill as integral to Leek’s collective memory. Meanwhile, Staffordshire Police announced ongoing road closures around Mill Street and advised drivers to seek alternative routes. Dame Karen Bradley, Member of Parliament for Staffordshire Moorlands, posted on social media the morning after the event, expressing sorrow over the fire and extending thanks to emergency responders with hopes that everyone remained safe

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