Pair bailed until May after inferno that saw dozens homeless over Easter
Two people have been arrested following a huge fire that left dozens homeless over Easter.
A man in his 60s and a 49-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson and have now been bailed to a date in May.
The inferno took hold on Easter Saturday at Rollit House, in Rollit Street, Holloway at about 2am.
The building still hasn’t been declared safe and 37 residents are currently in hotels or staying with family and friends.
Islington Council said it would be at least six months before residents living on the top floor of the building would be able to return to their homes.
London Fire Brigade are still determining the cause of the blaze.
More than 70 firefighters manning 10 engines from across London tackled the blaze that lit up the night sky in the early hours.
The fire engulfed the roof of the 24-home block with all 37 people having to evacuated from the building.
Firefighters had the blaze under control by 4.16am and there were no injuries suffered to those inside the building, who had all escaped before the LFB arrived at the scene.
Doug Goldring, service director for Islington Council’s housing operations, said: “We are working to find suitable temporary accommodation for the tenants.
“A number of families have already accepted our offer of alternative accommodation and three will be moving in shortly. Priority is being given to the most vulnerable people and families with children.
“In the meantime, those affected by the fire have been staying in hotels or with friends and relatives. In addition, we are making arrangements for residents to retrieve their belongings from Rollit House and for the storage of furniture, where necessary.
“All tenants of Rollit House will be guaranteed the opportunity to return, provided that the building can be repaired and refurbished.
“Currently, there is no reason to believe this will not be possible. At present we expect it will be at least six months before residents on the top floor can move back. It is possible that the lower floors may be ready earlier.”
Seven of the flats in the building are privately owned and the others are council homes.
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