Youths blamed for flats blaze

AROUND 30 fire fighters tackled a blaze which ripped through a derelict block of flats on Primrose Bank.

Youths are believed to have started three fires in the four-storey property in Ashton Road, Oldham, at around 3.20pm yesterday.

It took over two hours for crews from Hollins, Oldham, Ashton and Chadderton to bring the fire under control, as it spread into roof spaces.

No one was in the flats, which are due to be demolished as part of multi-million clearance work on the estate.

Building inspectors were at the scene last night and are expected back today.

Station Commander Gary O’Neil, from fire headquarters in Swinton, said: “There were initial fears of a live gas main and asbestos in the building but we’ve been given the all clear.”