Police launch arson probe after fire destroys part of Northamptonshire cooking oil factory

Investigators say a fire which destroyed a part of a cooking oil plant near Northampton is being treated as arson.

Emergency services rushed to the blaze at the Olleco site at Blisworth just after 10pm on Saturday night (May 16).

Police say the fire was started deliberately and are hunting drivers of at least six 'hot-hatch' vehicles seen heading away from the area at around that time.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: "At about 10.05pm, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire at an unused building in the area.

"Police officers were called a short time later and the cause of the fire was quickly established to be as a result of deliberate ignition.

"The fire is believed to have been started between 9pm and 10pm and a group of at least six 'hot-hatch' style cars were seen to leave the area at about 10pm and therefore may have information as to what happened.

"Any witnesses who were part of this group or anyone who has any information who this group might be — or anyone with any information as to how the fire may have started — should call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Part of Northampton Road was closed while six crews of firefighters from across the county dealt with the blaze at the site, which collects and recycles cooking oil, while residents in Blisworth and neighbouring Milton Malsor were advised to stay indoors and keep windows shut as black smoke blew across the countryside.

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