Police probe spate of fires overnight

Sunset over St Thomas's Church Moorside

A GANG of teenagers are suspected of creating havoc for firefighters on Sunday night, including causing damage to a church in Moorside.

Firefighters were called out to five separate incidents in the Moorside and Sholver area, all of which saw five youths aged about 14 or 15 at the scene.

The crew from Oldham were called out to St Thomas' Church, in Glebe Lane, after a wheelie bin caught fire which then spread to the guttering and soffits of the church. Fortunately they were able to prevent much damage being done to most of the church.

This was the culmination of several rubbish fires that had been lit in the area.

The first incident saw rubbish on fire at a car park in Ripponden Road shortly before 4pm. A group of youths were at the scene.

The Oldham crew were called out again at 4.30pm to Cop Road where, again, rubbish had been set alight with the same group of youths in attendance.

Firefighters were called out again to see rubbish set alight outside a bus stop in Ripponden Road shortly after 7.30pm.

They then attended an incident at the rear of Grafton Street shortly before 8pm where fly-tipped waste was on fire.

In all the incidents the same group of youngsters were at the scene. After recording footage on their CCTV, firefighters passed on their details to police, who are now investigating.

The crew from Oldham spent most of Sunday carrying out safe and well visits in the areas affected, making sure smoke alarms were fitted in properties and to offer any other advice. They have also sent out letters.

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