Sniffer dogs attend burned building after suspected arson attack in town centre

Suspected arson attack on the corner of Yorkshire Street and Union Street

An area on Yorkshire Street was cordoned off after a suspected arson attack burned out a building above Rochdale Opticians.

The windows to the building are blacked out and the area outside is closed off on the corner of Yorkshire Street and Union Street.

The police Crime Scene Investigation team and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue attended the scene after a fire broke out late yesterday afternoon (Sunday 16 June).

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent.

Both police and fire services were seen attending the scene again this morning (Monday 17 June), along with sniffer dogs.

A spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a fire on Yorkshire Street at 4.00pm yesterday evening.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 4.15pm on Sunday (June 16) three fire engines from Rochdale and Heywood Community Fire Stations were called to a fire involving a first floor flat on Yorkshire Street, Rochdale.

“Firefighters used hose reels to quickly extinguish the fire and were in attendance for around four hours.

"GMFRS has been in attendance this morning (Monday) to assist colleagues from Greater Manchester Police with their enquiries.”