A 12-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with a huge fire which devastated a former Debenhams.

The blaze broke out in Canterbury city centre on Monday at 8.30pm, forcing 30 people to be evacuated from their homes.

Businesses were forced to close, while firefighters spent two days battling the blaze and making the area safe.

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested in relation to the incident over the following days.

One has been released without charge, while another was bailed as inquiries continue.

Explaining officers have arrested a third child, a police spokesman said: “On the evening of Wednesday 4 December, a 12-year-old girl was arrested in connection with the incident and was later bailed pending further inquiries.

“We continue to appeal to anyone with relevant information to come forward and would like to thank those who have already done so.

“Anyone who can assist enquiries is urged to call 01843 222289 quoting reference 03-0160.”

A large cordon set up in Guildhall Street while the flames were extinguished was removed at 3.30pm as firefighters wouldown their operations.

On Wednesday aerial photos showed the extensive damage caused to the roof of the former department store.

The fire has also left the fate of a long-awaited development of the site uncertain, with original plans for 74 homes and 12 shops in the newly-named Guildhall Quarter seeming unlikely at this stage.

Approved in January 2020 when Debenhams was still open, it had been hoped the swift re-purposing of the iconic city centre building would provide job opportunities and high-quality accommodation.

Since then, delays largely thanks to water pollution issues at Stodmarsh and the Covid pandemic have seen costs increase and many become cynical over the chances of seeing the plans come to life.