Lokeren (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A fire caused by arson behind a department store in Lokeren was quickly extinguished. Police identified a young arsonist, leading to court action and house arrest.
At the end of September, people in Lokeren saw flames behind a department store in a shopping complex on Tweebruggenstraat. Concerned residents called the authorities, and the local fire brigade arrived quickly. They found a big pile of burning paper and cardboard and worked fast stopping it from spreading to nearby buildings and shops.
Was the fire at the Lokeren department store an act of arson, and who is responsible?
No one was injured in the fire. The quick actions of the fire brigade kept the area safe and protected shoppers and staff in the complex. After the fire was put out, an investigation may have started to find out what caused it and to help prevent similar incidents.
After the fire at the department store on Tweebruggenstraat, police quickly started an investigation to find out who was responsible. They used camera footage from the area and witness statements to track down a young arsonist and his accomplice. The evidence helped the police create a timeline of events leading up to the fire, which started from a burning pile of paper and cardboard that threatened the shopping complex.
The young arsonist admitted his involvement and appeared in juvenile court. Because of his confession, the court set several conditions for his release, including house arrest, which limits his movements and requires him to stay home except for certain activities like going to school. This decision highlights the seriousness of the crime while also considering his age, aiming to balance accountability with the chance for rehabilitation. The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities likely looking into the role of the accomplice in the incident.
