Two arrested in arson probe after Seven Sisters fire
TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire in a fifth-floor flat of a residential tower block.
One man was taken seriously injured to hospital, police said.
Greater Manchester Police described his condition as ‘potentially lifethreatening.’
Six other residents suffered from the effects of inhaling smoke and a full evacuation was ordered in the early hours of Monday morning, the force said.
The fire broke out in a flat on the fifth floor of the Mardyke tower block - one of the ‘Seven Sisters’ residential tower blocks off College Bank Way just outside Rochdale town centre.
Police and firefighters were scrambled to the scene at 1.10am.
A firefighter was taken to hospital for tests after coming into contact with a needle.
The fire was contained to a bedroom.
Residents took to social media to talk about helping relatives out to safety and, according to reports, smoke from the blaze filled hallways and lift shafts.
Forensic investigators and a Greater Manchester Police Crime Scene Investigation van were photographed at the scene on Monday morning.
A spokesman for GMP described the 57-year-old man man’s injuries as ‘potentially life-threatening.’ He was taken to hospital with serious burns.
The spokesman said six other residents also suffered from smoke inhalation and confirmed the incident was being treated as arson.
It’s not known whether they were taken to hospital. A scene was still in place on Monday afternoon, as was one fire engine pump, as police continued their enquiries.
The man, 42, and woman, 30, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in custody for questioning.
Ten fire engines from across Greater Manchester attended the incident, along with several special appliances, and used breathing apparatus used two jets to tackle the fire.
A total of five residents were rescued by firefighters and conveyed to hospital by NWAS.
Group Manager Bury, Oldham and Rochdale Val Hussain said: “Crews were called to the scene of a fire on the fifth floor of a high rise premises. They worked exceptionally hard dealing with the significant fire, putting out the fire and carrying out rescues very quickly.
“The fire was contained to the bedroom of the flat, with no external fire spread. The fire was out at 5.50am but one fire crew remains at the scene to continue monitoring.”
Built in the late 60s and early 70s, the Seven Sisters tower blocks have dominated the Rochdale skyline for five decades.
Tenants of four of the blocks however - Mitchell Hey, Dunkirk Rise, Tentercroft and Town Mill Brow - are facing an uncertain future, with the 19-storey flats facing demolition under regeneration plan.
Mardyke is one of three blocks not earmarked for demolition.
Landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) posted on Facebook: “Thank you to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and GMP Rochdale for their prompt and professional response to last night’s fire in the Mardyke block at College Bank, as well as RBH colleagues who attended. Our teams are there to provide any support that residents need, and our thoughts are with those who were taken to hospital.” One resident said everyone on fifth floor was evacuated and they have been told it would be a ‘couple of days’ before they can get back in.
He said: “There were people banging on the doors shouting ‘fire, fire’.
“I opened my front door, but with all the smoke and everything the corridor was just obliterated, so I ended up on the balcony. The flames from next door’s window were spreading across to mine.
“I ripped the netting off my balcony and was considering jumping - I thought that was better than being burnt alive.
“Next thing a fireman kicked down my door. He shoved a hood over my head and escorted me outside. It was mental. I’m homeless. I’ve only got the clothes I was wearing.”