Fire at block of flats is suspected arson attack
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a suspected arson attack at a block of flats.
Police and firefighters were called to a blaze at three-storey Woodlands Court, in Offerton, in Stockport, on Thursday evening.
Officers had been called to the same address an hour before amid reports that there had been an altercation and a man had been making threats.
It is believed the fire began in the living room of a first-floor flat causing a large amount of damage throughout the home.
Firefighters from Offerton, King Street and Whitehill stations were called to the blaze.
Around eight residents in the other five flats, on Woodlands Drive, were evacuated and housing association Equity Homes rehoused them on Thursday night as the flats were cordoned off and an investigation began.
Forensic officers were sifting through the wreckage yesterday morning and police have appealed for witnesses.
No one was injured in the incident as the resident of the burned flat had been out.
Steve Johnston, watch manager at Offerton fire station, said: “The flat was well alight when we arrived, there were large flames coming out of the rear window as high as the roof.
“There was also lots of black smoke coming out of the front window. It is under investigation and the flats were treated as a crime scene. “No one could get in last night. “It is the biggest fire we have had in Stockport for a while.” On Monday, crews will return to the area to reassure people living in other blocks of flats at Woodlands Court. Free fire safety checks will be carried out and smoke alarms fitted. A police spokesman confirmed officers had been called to both incidents and were investigating. Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Firefighter Steve Johnston