Police: Maple Mill fire 'was arson'

Photo: Darren Robinson

AT its height - the fire at Maple Mill, Hathershaw

THE massive blaze which ripped through Maple Mill in Hathershaw and burned for nine days is being treated as arson, police have said.

Detectives at GMP believe the fire was started deliberately and are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Emergency services were called to Cardwell Street at around 4.30am on Thursday December 15 after flames engulfed the mill, which led to around 100 houses being evacuated.

Large parts of the building, the former base of kitchen boss Vance Miller, collapsed as around 80 firefighters tackled the inferno which could be seen for miles.

Roads were cordoned off and residents were evacuated to the Honeywell Centre in Ashton Road. Others were told to keep their windows and doors closed.

Fortunately, no-one was believed to have been injured.

D Hughes Demolition & Excavation Ltd were responsible for the demolition of the mill a few days later.

A spokesperson from GMP said: "Detectives are investigating a fire at a mill in Oldham.

"Shortly before 4.30am on Thursday 15 December 2016 police received a report of a fire at Maple Mill on Cardwell Street.

"A number of people had to be evacuated from the immediate area whilst Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service carried out an investigation into the disused mill. No one was injured.

"The fire is being treated as arson by detectives and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 626 of 15 December 2016."