Youths were also questioned over two other blazes

FIVE teenagers who were arrested in connection with a suspicious fire which closed parts of the M1 for six days have been released on bail.

The youths aged between 14 and 17 were questioned after detectives carried out series of dawn raids in Barnet and Harrow yesterday morning (Wednesday).

The blaze on April 15 at Apex Metal Recycling, in Mill Hill, which is situated under the motorway, caused traffic misery for thousands of motorists after concerns that the fire may have caused structural damage on the sections between Edgware and Staples Corner.

Detectives seized a number of items from the youths’ homes for forensic examination.

The youths were also quizzed over two other fires in Mill Hill on April 14 and 15.

They are due to return to a police station in north London at a later date.

DCI Mark Roycroft of Barnet CID, investigating officer, said: “Although we are pursuing a number of active leads into these fires we would still ask that anyone who has any information about these crimes contact Barnet police.

“Your information could be invaluable to the investigation and bringing those responsible to justice”.

Anyone with information is asked to call Barnet police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on Tel 0800 555 111.