M&S confirms permanent closure of fire-damaged store

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has confirmed it will not reopen its store in Thurmaston after a major fire.

Much of Thurmaston Shopping Centre in Barkby Thorpe Lane was demolished after the fire, which started at about 04:00 BST on 20 June.

Laura Arnold, regional manager at M&S, confirmed the store would close after the company assessed the extent of the damage.

Leicestershire Police said three 13-year-old boys, who were arrested on suspicion of arson, remained on bail.

The shopping centre building, which also contained a Greggs, Mountain Warehouse, cardfactory and Claire's, was badly damaged by the fire.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service launched an investigation after more than 40 firefighters were called to the blaze.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Arnold said: "We know this decision is disappointing news for local customers and I'd like to thank everyone who has shopped at the store over the past 16 years and all of our colleagues.

"Our priority is now continuing conversations with the store team and we will work as hard as we can to redeploy colleagues to nearby stores.

"We hope to bring a new M&S store to north Leicester in the future but in the meantime, we will continue working hard to serve customers at our Fosse Park, Oadby and Loughborough stores."

Police confirmed the three boys also remain on bail after being arrested in relation to the criminal damage of cars in Melton Road in Thurmaston, and Fosse Way and Wanlip Road in Syston.

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