Detectives and fire investigators have this morning returned to Manchester Dogs’ Home to establish the cause of last night's fire..
The death toll now stands at 53 dogs overnight with more than 100 rescued from the fire.
Today experts were sent back to the scene to speak to witnesses and trawl through evidence in the damaged building.
A fire service spokesman said the team will try to find the exact point where the flames first took hold.
Police confirmed that a 15-year-old boy was held last night on suspicion of arson and will be quizzed today.
Four crews were called to the scene at 7.20pm and extinguished the flames, which claimed the lives of at least 53 dogs.
Another 150 were rescued and taken to shelters in Manchester, Cheshire, and Liverpool.
The fatal blaze prompted a mass outpouring of support from people across the country, and a Just Giving site set up by our sister paper the Manchester Evening News has now generated £500,000 for the dogs' home this morning. You can find out more about how to donate here .
Detective Inspector Neil Jones said: “The response from the public has been overwhelming and this is clearly an incident that has tugged on the heart strings of many. A number of people, including police officers and staff were quickly on the scene and put their life on the line to help with the rescue effort.
“We are determined to establish exactly how and why this fire started and will be working closely with our partners from the fire service. As part of the investigation a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and he will be spoken to throughout the course of the day.
"If anyone has any information about this fire I would encourage them to contact us.
“Our switchboard, like social media has been overrun with people wanting to help and I would ask people to not call the police unless they have information about the investigation or those responsible.
"Anyone wanting to donate items such as food and blankets can do so by bringing them to the north Manchester police headquarters.
"A Justgiving page has also been set up for anyone wanting to donate cash. If you have information about the fire then please call us”
You can find out the latest with the Manchester Evening News' LIVE coverage here .
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
