Man arrested after suspected arson in Oldham

A man in his 50s has been arrested after a suspected arson attack on Bardsley Street in Oldham early Thursday morning. Emergency services were called to reports of a bin fire at around 6.30am on February 19, which quickly spread smoke into a nearby property.

Residents were taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation, though their injuries are not believed to be serious. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended alongside police, who have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

Detective Inspector Andy Barrett from GMP's Oldham CID said the consequences of the suspected arson could have been very different. 'We want people to understand that incidents like this are not acceptable in our community,' he stated, adding that officers worked quickly to arrest a suspect.

The arrested man remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting log 381 of 19.02.26, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.