Arson investigation after derelict factory blaze

An arson investigation after a large fire at a derelict shoe factory has proved inconclusive, it has emerged.

More than a dozen fire crews battled the blaze at the former Van-Dal shoe factory in Dibden Road, Norwich, on Monday evening.

"Essential" demolition of the building, which contained asbestos, began on Tuesday.

Norfolk County Council said nearby George White Junior School would remain closed for a second day as a "precautionary measure" following advice from emergency services and local authorities.

A Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said a fire investigation was carried out on Tuesday.

"Due to the severity of the fire, the scale of the damage and instability of the building, we were unable to determine the cause of the fire," they added.

Norwich City Council said initial air quality tests showed "no significant levels of asbestos present in the air" and it reassured residents the health risk was low.

It added further tests would take place on Wednesday.

"Specialist asbestos operatives provided by the demolition company are on site," a council spokesperson said.

"Essential demolition took place on [Tuesday] night and is ongoing this morning."

George White Junior School is located about 100m (328ft) from the derelict site.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue said it believed up to 75% of the building had been damaged.

The closure of the facility, Norwich's last remaining shoe factory, was announced in 2018.

Firefighters attended a blaze at the same location last April.

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