Police end arson investigation into fire at derelict Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich

Police have dropped their investigation into a suspected arson attack which destroyed a derelict factory.

The former Van Dal shoe factory site on Dibden Road in Norwich was destroyed in a fire earlier this year, after facing long-standing issues with vandalism.

Norfolk Police said at the time the incident was being treated as arson and launched an “extensive” search operation to find the perpetrators.

At the height of the blaze more than 60 firefighters were involved.

However, the force has now confirmed its investigation has been closed.

The factory had remained vacant since Van Dal shoemakers moved out in 2018 and the site had been plagued by criminal damage and vandalism ever since.

In January a fire tore through the building, with locals urged to close their windows and avoid touching debris.

There had been concerns about asbestos, but no significant levels of the material were found, according to inspectors.

More than 70% of the structure was involved in the blaze, according to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Despite carrying out house-to-house inquiries, reviewing CCTV footage and taking witness statements, police officers were unable to find anyone responsible for the blaze.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk Police said: “We have now concluded all lines of inquiry, and therefore the investigation will be closed.

“Of course, we would always review any new information provided to us.”

The scale of the damage meant no evidence was available in the building, with the site deemed too dangerous to access.

Hemingford Group, which previously owned the site, carried out demolition works shortly after the blaze.

The site was then purchased by Norwich City Council, which sold it to developers Flagship Group with a view to creating a new housing estate.

A council spokesman said: “The council has sold the former Florida shoe factory, on Dibden Road, to Flagship Housing recently, after acquiring the site earlier this year.

“The sale of the site to Flagship was made on the agreement that they will provide around 48 new affordable homes subject to planning permission.”

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