Second 12-year-old boy arrested after massive fire rips through Scots town centre
The devastating inferno destroyed several buildings on King Street and Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock earlier this week.
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A blaze tore through a four-storey building in a Scottish town on Monday
Credit: PA
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Fire crews raced to the scene in Kilmarnock at around 9.30pm
Credit: Alamy
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Firefighters were still on the scene the following day
Credit: John Kirkby
Emergency crews raced to the scene in the town centre on Monday evening after a ferocious blaze was seen ripping through a four-storey building.
The alarm was raised after officers received reports of the massive fire at around 9.30pm
Eight fire engines were scrambled to tackle the blaze, and police shut down surrounding roads.
Firefighters were still on the scene the following day as they battled to dampen the blaze.
No one was injured in the fire, however, several businesses are feared to have been destroyed by the flames.
Police quickly revealed that it was being treated as wilful and launched an investigation into the blaze.
Yesterday, police confirmed that a 12-year-old boy had been arrested and charged in connection with the fire.
And today, the force has revealed that a second 12-year-old boy has been arrested and charged.
Both of the youngsters are due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date.
Police have also confirmed that two 11-year-old boys have been traced in connection with the alleged incident.
Huge blaze breaks out at primary school as thick smoke billows into the sky
A statement from the force read: "Around 9.30pm on Monday, 14 July, 2025, we received a report of a fire at a premises on Sandbed Street.
"There were no reported injuries, and the fire is being treated as wilful.
"A 12-year-old male youth was arrested and charged on Friday, 18 July.
"A second 12-year-old boy had previously been arrested and charged on Thursday, 17 July.
"Both are due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date.
"Two 11-year-old boys have also been traced in connection with the fire, and reports will be submitted to relevant authorities.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of 14 July, 2025."
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Two 12-year-old boys have been arrested and charged in connection with the fire
Credit: PA
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