Two teenagers have confessed to igniting a massive fire during the far-right riots that took place last summer. One of them even had the audacity to speak to the BBC about the extensive damage the fire caused.
James Evans, 19, and Justin Keeling, 18, went into a disused warehouse in Crewe, Cheshire, and set a large pile of cardboard alight on August 9.
Terrifying photos show the huge blaze ripping through the former print works and coming dangerously close to nearby houses.
As a result of the fire, 250 homes had to be evacuated, and hundreds of residents were compelled to take refuge in a nearby leisure center. Additionally, approximately 150 properties were left without electricity.
Cheshire Constabulary indicated that some families have still not been able to return to their homes, and numerous emergency personnel suffered significant health complications as a consequence of the fire.
Moreover when officers arrived to manage the situation, police said Keeling was among the crowd of onlookers.
He laughed at police officers, swore at them and shouted for people to riot.
Keeling, despite being one of the two men who had caused the devastation, even had the ‘audacity’ to do an interview with the BBC, the force added.
In an article published three days after the incident, he was quoted as saying: ‘I had to move out on Friday night along with other residents on Catherine Street because the flames were that big.’
‘All the businesses stuck together and they helped deliver food to everyone which was great, it’s great to see in a crisis everyone worked together,’ he added.
Keeling also said he would now have to get his house deep cleaned to get rid of lingering smoke particles.
Then two days later when police conducted door-to-door enquiries at Keeling’s home, he claimed to have seen youths near the building and climbing over a gate.
As a result, further enquiries led to a 12-year-old boy being arrested but he was later released without charge.
Keeling then admitted to a friend that he was inside the building with two others and police were informed. He was arrested and then released on bail.
Days later a video filmed by him was discovered on his seized mobile phone by police.
The footage filmed inside showed a large amount of cardboard with one pile already alight. As the phone panned round more piles of cardboard could be seen on fire.
All three men were arrested that day on suspicion of arson being reckless to endanger life.
Despite the video evidence they still denied the offence, though Keeling later admitted to perverting the course of justice for deceiving police with the false sighting of the youths.
Evans and Keeling appeared at Chester Crown Court on 29 January for a trial and pleaded guilty to arson on February 3. They have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on April 14.
Peter Lord, 20, from, Crewe, also appeared in court but was found not guilty earlier this week.
DC Mike Edwards from Cheshire Constabulary said: ‘This incident ripped residents out of the comfort of their own homes. The men’s cowardice, ideocracy and selfishness put residents in significant danger.
‘Their actions put a substantial strain on the police service and could have put people who needed police at that time in danger or harm. Thankfully, other officers from the surrounding areas assisted Crewe LPU during this time.
‘The fire also left officers with considerable health issues and caused them to have time off work. All thanks to the act of three individuals.
‘They took such a casual approach when starting the fire as evidenced in their flippant filming of the act and showed no understanding for just how quickly it can get dangerously out of control.
‘Following their actions, they left the scene and walked casually back to Keeling’s home address, laughing and joking along the way. Keeling and Evans had ample opportunity to come forward to tell us what had happened, but they failed to consider the effect their actions may have on the lives of the surrounding people and their properties.
‘Instead, they decided to show no remorse for their actions or the danger that they not only put themselves in, but also the residents of Crewe.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents who were evacuated in assisting us in our investigation and providing CCTV to help with our enquiries. Your efforts have helped in convicting these people of a serious crime and they deserve the justice they are served.’
DS Ryan Ogden added: ‘The fire caused such devastation and disruption to the community. Some families have still not been able to return home due to the fire damage caused. Lives and family homes were put at risk that day.
‘Police and Firefighters remained on the scene for days trying to dampen down the fire and prevent further homes from ruin.
‘The clean up afterwards and the cost borne by Cheshire East Council and the taxpayer was significant.
‘Keeling had the audacity to taunt and verbally abuse police officers on the day of the fire and also told other people present at the cordons that they should cause disorder making what was already a difficult incident harder to manage.
‘The fact he then gave an interview to the BBC days later and played the victim only rubs further salt into the healing wounds of the community.
‘Their motive for setting fire will never be known but their actions are incomprehensible and was further exacerbated by the fact it took place during the summer disorder.
‘Their stupidity has now seen them in court for the very serious offence of arson and no doubt will be expecting a substantial prison sentence for their mindless actions.’
