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An overnight fire at a historic building in the heart of Wortley Village caused estimated $1-million damage.
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London firefighters responded around 12:30 a.m. Thursday to a structure fire at building on Wortley Road, north of Bruce Street, where crews used two aerial ladders to douse the stubborn blaze, fire department officials said.
All of the occupants of the building escaped uninjured.
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Damage is estimated at $1 million to the 1880s-era building that houses three businesses on the ground level – an art gallery, pet supply store and a women’s boutique – and two apartments upstairs.
A section of Wortley Road between Bruce Street and Askin Street remained closed as the sun rose on Thursday and wasn’t expected to be reopened until later Thursday as firefighters cleaned up and investigators remained on the scene.
The fire department reminded the public to ensure their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working ahead of winter.
The fire comes more than 18 months after the nearby Black Walnut café at 134 Wortley Rd. was destroyed in an arson on April 16, 2023. Sean Moyles, 21, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for setting the fire that caused $2.7-million damage.
Man awaits bail hearing after assault charge
A Southwestern Ontario man was awaiting a bail hearing after being charged with aggravated assault following a late-night altercation.
Ontario Provincial Police officers with the Essex detachment were called to a home in the Windsor-area town of Essex at about 1:20 a.m. on Saturday for a report of an assault.
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As a result of their investigation, a 35-year-old man was charged with aggravated assault.
Another person was taken from the scene to a local hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries.
The accused was held pending a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor, police said, adding that officers continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone with further information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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