News / fire

Man arrested in connection with SWX fire

By Ellie Pipe  Tuesday Aug 17, 2021

Police investigating the fire that ripped through SWX have arrested a man on suspicion of arson.

Enquiries have been ongoing since the blaze in the Nelson Street nightclub in the early hours of the morning on July 13.

The arrest of the 28-year-old follows an appeal for information. Avon and Somerset Police say he is being held in custody.

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Fire crews from as far away as Portishead and Nailsea attended the fire at SWX just days before it was due to reopen.

At the height of the incident, 20 firefighters were wearing breathing apparatus and used six 45mm jets and four high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire. Thermal imaging cameras and small gear were also in use to check for hotspots.

Avon Fire and Rescue said at the time the cause of the fire was thought to be deliberate.

Police thanked people who shared the appeal and called in with information.

Anyone with further information is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5221157462.

Crews from more than half a dozen stations attended the fire – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo by Martin Booth

Read more: Cause of fire at SWX believed to be deliberate 

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