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No charges over giant blaze at tyre storage unit in Canal Road in Gravesend

A man arrested on suspicion of starting one of the largest fires Kent has ever seen will not be charged, it has emerged.

The huge blaze at a tyre storage unit in Canal Road, Gravesend, on Saturday, August 31, could be seen up to 40 miles away as plumes of thick, black smoke billowed into the air.

A 22-year-old man was working for T. Peters Roofing, next to the tyre firm, when a small bonfire in a metal drum got out of control.

Huge fire in Canal Road, Gravesend. Picture: Phil Tobin
Huge fire in Canal Road, Gravesend. Picture: Phil Tobin

The tyres were engulfed in flames for hours and the roofing company's premises was destroyed.

The man was arrested and bailed while police continued their investigations, but he has now been told no further action will be taken.

At the time, roofing company owner and father-of-four Terry Peters said he was devastated - but stood by the arrested man, who has not been identified.

Mr Peters, 47, said at the time: "I know it was a total accident. He does a bit of work for me and is completely gutted about what happened.

"He's a nice lad. I certainly won't be pressing any charges against him and I hope police don’t charge him with anything."

View of Canal Road yard fire from the police helicopter. Picture: @MPSinthesky
View of Canal Road yard fire from the police helicopter. Picture: @MPSinthesky
Smoke billowing from the Canal Road yard blaze in Gravesend. Picture: Adam Warren
Smoke billowing from the Canal Road yard blaze in Gravesend. Picture: Adam Warren
View of the Canal Road yard fire from a tower block in Chatham. Picture: Peter Stevenson
View of the Canal Road yard fire from a tower block in Chatham. Picture: Peter Stevenson

Around 85 firefighters tackled the blaze with crews from Thames-side, Dartford, Erith, Bexley and Sidcup stations called in to help.


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