Detectives investigating a major structural fire at the former Debenhams building in Canterbury city centre have officially charged two suspects in connection with the incident. The development follows an intensive investigation by Kent Police into the blaze that disrupted the historic district and forced emergency evacuations.
The emergency began at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, when Kent Police were called to assist fire crews tackling a significant inferno on Guildhall Street. As the fire spread through the vacant commercial landmark, officers cordoned off several surrounding roads and ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in nearby properties to ensure public safety while firefighters worked to contain the flames.
Following the initial emergency response, investigators conducted a series of enquiries that led to multiple arrests over the subsequent four days. After a lengthy probe into the cause of the fire, two 17-year-old boys were formally charged with arson. Due to their age, the identities of the suspects remain protected under legal restrictions.
The pair appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on March 17, 2026, to face the charges. During the hearing, both defendants were granted conditional bail. They are scheduled to return to the same court on Tuesday, April 14, for further legal proceedings.
The site of the fire, once a cornerstone of Canterbury’s retail landscape, remains a point of interest for local redevelopment pending the outcome of the judicial process.