Witness plea on arson attack

Reporter: JANICE BARKER
Date online: 09 September 2009

Police are appealing for witnesses to an arson attack on an empty house on Blakelock Street, Shaw, on Sunday.

It is believed rubbish was set on fire upstairs between 11am and 12.25pm, causing damage to the three-story property. No one was injured.

Fire crews discovered three seats of fire, one in the first-floor bedroom and two in the attic bedroom.

They spent three hours at the rented property, which was unoccupied at the time.

Half of the house was damaged by the fire and officers believe the cause was deliberate. Police and fire teams are investigating.

Det Con Tim Hegarty, from Oldham CID, said: “Fortunately this was an empty property and no one was hurt as a result of the blaze. However, we all know how quickly fire can spread and get out of control.

“If anyone saw anything suspicious on or around Blakelock Street, I urge you to call me so we can find whoever is responsible for starting the fire.”

Anyone with information should call Oldham CID on 0161 856 8982 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.