Three teenagers charged with arson over Norwich nightclub fire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 14:53 · Archive

Three teenagers have been charged with arson over a fire at the former nightclub The Talk in Norwich on 2 April.

Three teenagers appeared at Norwich Youth Court charged with arson over a fire at the former nightclub The Talk on Oak Street on 2 April. The 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds, one from Norwich and one from Brundall, all entered not guilty pleas to a joint charge of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. Fire crews from as far away as Acle were called to deal with the major blaze, and people in the area were told to keep windows and doors closed as smoke billowed from the roof.

One of the 16-year-olds' lawyer, Jonathan Perkins, said: 'He is prepared to plead guilty to arson but disputes any intention to endanger life. Snapchat footage quite clearly shows these young people involved had little appreciation of the potential harm they might cause.' Magistrates adjourned the cases until 12 November to allow for a prosecution review of whether the charges should be reduced to the lesser allegation of arson with no danger to life. The Talk opened in 1954 and hosted performers including The Who and Rod Stewart before closing in 2022, when it had been operating as a venue for private functions and club nights.

How it is being reported

• Teenagers in court accused of arson over blaze at famous former nightclubTwo 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old are accused of arson over a blaze that swept through the site of former nightclub The Talk in Norwich.Eastern Daily Press · 29 Oct, 14:21
• Teenagers in court accused of arson over blaze at famous former nightclubTwo 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old are accused of arson over a blaze that swept through the site of former nightclub The Talk in Norwich.Norwich Evening News · 29 Oct, 14:21

In this story: The Talk · Norwich · Brundall · Acle · The Who · Rod Stewart

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