Car wash wrecked by arsonists (Castleton)

The burnt out remains of the Crystal Clear car wash on Manchester Road.

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Arsonists torched a popular car wash in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 24 February).

Crystal Clear, on Manchester Road, Castleton, is currently being demolished after the blaze ripped through the building, leaving it on the verge of collapse.

Ten houses were evacuated at 1.00am because of concerns about flammable chemicals which were on site.

Karen Taylor, who lives directly opposite the premises said: “I woke up at about 12.30am to this horrible crackling sound and a nasty smell.

“I looked out of the window and a large pile of tyres were on fire at the car wash so I rang the fire brigade and they were here within minutes.

“It’s such a big shame as they are really popular and always busy”.

Building owner Terry Caveney said: “I’ve been here since about 5am after getting a call to say the building had been set on fire.

“There are a lot of chemicals which are flammable so as you can imagine the fire got very big.

“The fire fighters have been working through the night”.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “This is now a police matter. We are investigating arson”.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue team are still at the scene, with appliances from Rochdale and Blackley.