ARSONISTS who destroyed a nightclub, killing two dogs in the process, appear to have got away with their crime.

Cheshire Fire Service has released the fire investigation report into the blaze at the Mississippi Showboat nightclub in March 2004 after a freedom of information request by the Warrington Guardian.

And, despite confirmation that the incident was an arson attack, Cheshire Police revealed that no arrests have been made over the incident and there are no lines of inquiry being followed up.

But the site is still courting controversy after a row broke out over plans to redevelop the land for housing.

Warrington Borough Council agreed to allow in principle, for homes to be built on the site, where the buildings had stood since the 19th century, just weeks after the blaze.

But, a detailed planning applica-

tion to build 111 apartments was turned down last year.

After the applicants, Ascenture Properties, appealed a public inquiry will be held next month to decide whether the scheme should go ahead.

The fire investigation report also revealed that the blaze was started in a car that was in storage for the nearby Jordan Autobodies which also burned down in the blaze.

That company relocated to Penketh Business Park and was last month caught up in a cocaine ring with the owners and an employee sent to prison for drug dealing.

The fire report states that six engines were called to tackle the blaze and the building quickly began to collapse.

hcartwright@guardiangrp.co.uk