Twelve men arrested over the blaze at a Warwickshire vegetable packing plant which killed 4 firefighters back in 2007 have all had their bail extended.
Ian Reid, 44, John Averis, 27, Darren Yates-Badley, 24, and Ashley Stephens, 20, died during the blaze at a vegetable packing plant in Atherstone-on-Stour in November 2007.
The building was severely damaged by the suspected arson attack, which has been the subject of a joint investigation by the police and the Health and Safety Executive.
12 people were arrested over the incident in early 2010- 10 on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and the remaining two on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
They were also questioned over offences related to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
No-one has ever been charged over the fire – and it was thought a decision whether to charge or release the twelve men would be made late last year.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service have decided they need more time to review the police investigation.
Detective Superintendent Ken Lawrence from Warwickshire Police said: “We presented our evidence to the CPS in August last year and the matter is out of our hands.”
“Whilst we are disappointed with this latest delay we appreciate that this has been a substantial investigation and the CPS needs to be absolutely sure of the facts before making its decision.”
“The CPS has provided me with a full explanation of the current position which I have shared with the families of the deceased firefighters.”
“We hope that progress can now be made as soon as possible.”
The term 'witch-hunt' springs to mind
