OFFICERS have released a group of suspected arsonists on police bail until June 9 and 10, the Warrington Guardian can reveal.

Investigations are currently ongoing into the blaze which destroyed the former Mr Smith’s nightclub on Tuesday.

Seven youths were arrested on suspicion of arson but have now been released on police bail on Wednesday.

The teens, which included four 17-year-old boys, a 16-year-old boy, 16-year-old-girl and a 15-year-old girl from Warrington, were arrested yesterday, Tuesday.

A 43-year-old man who was initially arrested was released yesterday by police without charge.

Mr Smith’s was hit by a fire at 2am on Tuesday, April 14.

At the height of the incident, 12 fire crews, including firefighters from across Cheshire, were at the scene on Wilson Patten Street.

Plans were put in place to partially demolish the iconic Warrington landmark but it was later ruled that the building would be completely demolished due to health and safety fears.

A spokesman for The Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust, who own the site, said its owners were ‘greatly saddened’ to announce that the decision was reached with Warrington Council to demolish remains of the iconic Mr Smith's building.

He said: "Unfortunately, due to extensive damage caused by the recent fire, the site is unsafe and beyond salvage. 

"We are very disappointed with this situation as plans were in place and reaching finalisation to transform the building into a new centre for Warrington Youth Club.

"We are currently liaising with all involved parties to discuss the next steps for the site."

While the plans to turn the iconic landmark into a state-of-the-art youth zone were very much in its infancy, momentum was starting to building and blueprints were starting to take shape.

A total of £3m had already been offered by council figures to help fund the project – subject to a business plan and risk assessment.

But, for now, stunned residents will have to wait to find out what is to become of the land where the building once stood.