Investigation reveals cause of blaze started in old Royal Mail building after police shut city roads
A probe has been launched by police and fire officers after a blaze broke out near Leicester Railway Station this morning with fears people might be inside. Fire crews were called to Campbell Street at around 5.14am where smoke was seen coming from the old Royal Mail building.
The centre, off St George's Way, has been closed for several years with part of the building now in use as a car park. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said: "The building is known to be disused other than by homeless people.
"We were called by a member of the public who saw smoke issuing from underneath the building. There was some concern that there could still be people inside the building."
Two fire engines descended onto the scene but soon requested a further four appliances to assist with tackling the flames. Breathing apparatus was also deployed to the incident.
Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police closed a number of roads while the incident was brought under control and asked members of the public to avoid the area. Fox Street and the adjoining Campbell Street as well as Station Street were blocked to the public while the flames were extinguished.
Firefighters carried out sweeps of the building to damp down hotspots and check for people inside. Despite initial fears, nobody was found inside the building during or after the incident.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) was also called to the scene. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.
The car park remained shut while an investigation took place. Forensic officers joined fire officers to assess the aftermath.
It was later confirmed by a fire service spokeswoman that the nature of the incident was not considered to be suspicious. "A fire investigation is now complete and the cause of believed to be accidental," they said. "There was moderate damage to flooring and timber decking."
A city council spokesperson said: "Members of our outreach team are out in the city every day, offering emergency accommodation and other support to rough sleepers and checking the places known to be used by those sleeping rough.
“The Campbell Street site is one that we check multiple times a week and anyone we find there is offered temporary accommodation."
Anyone who sees someone sleeping rough and wants to alert the council's outreach team should notify StreetLink online or by calling 0300 500 0914."
