Teen Arsonists Admit to Starting Massive Crewe Blaze During Summer Riots
In a startling turn of events, two teenagers have confessed to igniting a massive blaze at a disused printworks in Crewe during last summer’s riots, leading to the evacuation of over 350 residents.
James Evans, 19, and Justin Keeling, 18, entered the abandoned building on the afternoon of 9 August and set a substantial pile of cardboard alight. The flames rapidly escalated, prompting a major incident declaration. Keeling even recorded the initial stages of the inferno on his mobile phone.
The fire’s intensity forced the evacuation of five streets, with firefighters from across Cheshire battling the blaze for several days. Some families remain unable to return to their homes due to the damage sustained.
In a brazen move, Keeling mingled with onlookers during the firefighting efforts, mocking police officers and inciting others to riot. He later gave an interview to the BBC, portraying himself as an affected resident, stating, “I had to move out on Friday night along with other residents on Catherine Street because the flames were that big.”
Initially, the pair misled authorities, resulting in the wrongful arrest of a 12-year-old boy who was subsequently released without charge. However, incriminating footage found on Keeling’s phone led to their arrest and charges of arson being reckless to endanger life. Both have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The motive behind their reckless actions remains unknown, leaving a community grappling with the aftermath of their senseless destruction.
