Blaze rips through Derbyshire train station waiting room

Police are investigating the possibility that a fire at a Derbyshire train station was deliberate. Image by Rob500 (CC).

The brigade was called to New Mills Newtown train station at around 11pm last night (Wednesday, June 15) to reports of fire.

Firefighters from New Mills and Marple in Greater Manchester were called, as well as officers from British Transport Police.

A spokesperson for the fire brigade said: "The call came at 11.23pm to a fire involving the ticket office and waiting room area.

"Two hose reel jets were used and two firefighters used breathing apparatus in fighting the fire.

"They requested police attendance as it was possibly due to a deliberate ignition of the wheeley-bin on the platform.

"The roof over the waiting room had to be stripped off due to the damage and the stop message was received at 1.27am."

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “We were called to reports of a fire at New Mills Newtown railway station shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday, 15 June.

“Colleagues from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue also attended.

“As a result of the fire, the waiting area, booking office and station walkway were damaged.

“Officers have launched an investigation and are currently working to establish the cause of the blaze but initial reports suggests a wheelie bin may have been deliberately set alight near the booking office.

“The cost of the damage has been estimated at between £20,000 and £25,000.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference 690 of 15/6/16. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."