New mill homes in arson attack
THESE dramatic aerial photographs show flames engulfing an old mill which was being transformed into homes after it was torched by arsonists.
Cheadle Lower Mill, on Mill Lane in Cheadle, Stockport, went up in flames and damaged four homes currently under construction. Five fire crews were called to the blaze just before 6.30pm on Saturday night after large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the site.
Firefighters in specialist breathing gear battled the flames for several hours.
No-one is believed to have been injured.
Cheadle Lower Mill, also known as The Bleachworks, is being transformed into houses, with several already built.
Cheadle and Gatley councillor Iain Roberts said the area has been plagued with anti-social behaviour.
He said there were reports of five teenage boys seen on the construction site moments before the building was set alight.
The blaze is being treated as arson. Fire bosses have launched a joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police.
A police spokesman said: “We were called at 6.50pm to reports of arson on Mill Lane in Cheadle. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to police on 101, quoting reference number 1971 of June 24 - or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.