Boy, 16, arrested over village nightclub fire

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately setting fire to a village nightclub.

The Park Hall Nightclub in Charnock Richard, Lancashire, was "significantly damaged" in the fire, which began at about 21:30 BST on Tuesday, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said.

Lancashire Police said: "A 16-year-old boy from Chorley has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in custody."

It is thought the blaze started in rooms above the nightclub, severely damaging the entrance, but left much of the rest of the venue intact.

A statement posted by the club on social media said its owners were "devastated" by what had happened.

It added: "While areas have been significantly affected, the nightclub itself has sustained less damage than first thought.

"We will look at beginning restoration as soon as possible and hope to reopen in the near future.

"A massive thank you to the Hotel staff plus Lancashire fire and rescue for their swift response in preventing the spread of the fire and causing further destruction

"Park Hotel and Spa is fully operational and open as usual."

Ten fire engines were sent to the scene and managed to put out the fire before it spread to the attached hotel and other neighbouring businesses.

LFRS Group Manager Jonny Nottingham said foul play had not been ruled out as the potential cause, but all lines of inquiry were being investigated.

He said the fire had been contained quickly but had caused "significant damage" to the building.

"It presented firefighters with some difficulties, however using open water sources from the local area, we managed to extinguish the fire fairly early on," he added.

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