TWO teenagers accused of burning down a former bingo hall in Cheshire West have had all charges against them dropped.

The pair were listed to appear at Chester Crown Court last week (Thursday, April 28) but the Crown Prosecution Service decided to discontinue the case.

As a result, Cheshire Police confirmed charges against both teens (aged 17 and 18) had been dropped but that the force would continue its investigation.

They had each been charged with causing more than £5,000 worth of criminal damage as well as arson, following the fire at Winsford Drill Hall on February 7, 2021.

At its height, eight fire engines were dealing with the huge blaze, which began on the ground level of the building and resulted in smoke billowing out from all three floors.

Residents were evacuated from nearby homes, while households in Dingle Lane and Dene Drive advised to keep their windows closed.

A number of road closures were in place in High Street, Dingle Lane, Drumber Road, Weaver Street and Dene Drive.

The building, owned by real estate company Modern Space Limited, was left completed gutted as a result of the fire.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “It appears that the CPS decided to discontinue the case so the charges against the pair have been dropped.

“At this stage the case remains open and should any new information come to light, officers will investigate.”