A CRIME has been recorded following the devastating fire at Grade II listed Armathwaite Castle, but no arrests have been made, Cumbria Police has said.
Following enquiries, a spokesperson for the force told Newsquest Cumbria that officers remain open-minded about the circumstances of the incident and it is not yet clear whether criminal offences have been committed.
The Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "A crime has been recorded, in line with national crime recording standards.
"We remain open-minded as to the circumstances of the incident, and it has not been established whether any criminal offences have been committed.
"Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this stage."
The fire at the Grade II listed building south of Carlisle, was reported at about 7.35pm on Wednesday July 22, prompting an emergency response.
Lazonby Fire Station crews were first at the scene and found the roof well alight.
They requested more Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service resources.
More than 15 crews, including reliefs, took part in the seven-hour emergency response.
Teams came from Longtown, Alston, Brampton, Carlisle East and Carlisle West.
Firefighters used water from the River Eden, which flows past the property, through portable pumps.
More than 50 personnel were involved in efforts to bring the fire under control.
The blaze gutted the roof and interior of the building.
Armathwaite Castle began with the Skelton family, landed gentry who produced a High Sheriff of Cumbria and Members of Parliament.
One Skelton is believed to have been poet laureate during Henry VIII's reign and the king's childhood tutor.
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