Two school boys charged after fire damages shops at retail park

Two schoolchildren have been charged after a fire at a shopping centre in Midlothian left shops “significantly damaged”.

Firefighters were called to Straiton Retail Park, in Loanhead, at about 9pm on Monday.

Two appliances from the SFRS safely extinguished the fire and there were no reported injuries as a result.

Police confirmed that two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14, have been charged in connection with the incident.

Edinburgh & East

Shops left ‘significantly damaged’ after deliberate fire at retail park

Emergency services were alerted to a fire at Straiton Retail Park at around 9pm on Monday.

A report will be sent to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.24pm on Monday, August 5, to reports of a fire at Straiton Retail Park, Loanhead in Midlothian.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised two appliances to the scene and on arrival firefighters found an outbuilding to be well alight.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left scene after ensuring the area was safe.”

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