Longer-term housing arranged after huge blaze

People have begun moving on from emergency accommodation into long-term housing after a devastating fire in Stoke-on-Trent destroyed their homes.

The city council said it had ben running a 24/7 helpline for affected residents in Sandyford to provide information and support.

Staff from the authority have been working with charities MIND and Citizens Advice to answer questions from residents.

The BBC understands a firefighter who attended the incident was still in hospital on Wednesday – almost two weeks after the blaze.

The fire was determined to have been caused by a disposable barbecue, according to the fire service, while police said they continued to investigate the possibility of arson.

Two people arrested in connection with the fire were later released on bail.

"My thoughts remain with everyone whose lives have been affected by this devastating fire," said council leader Jane Ashworth.

"We will continue supporting residents and families for as long as that support is needed."

She added: "While good progress is being made, we know the effects of this fire will be felt for some time by the people involved. "

The council's trading standards team has been carrying out checks with local retailers, and said a small number of retailers in the city had been found still selling them despite government instruction to stop.

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