Fears grow for man missing after building blaze

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The Fire at Sartex Quilts and Textiles Ltd on Norwich Street

Fears are growing for a man who has not been accounted for since a blaze broke out at Sartex Quilts and Textiles Ltd on Norwich Street last night (25 May).

Fire-fighters battled to extinguish the blaze at the mill close to Durham Street and Oldham Road. Five people were working in the mill, but only four people have been accounted for.

Concern continues to grow for the fifth man.

This morning the building was still too dangerous for fire crews and investigators to enter. A full search of the building and an investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to be carried out later today.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “As a result of the fire there is still one person who is unaccounted for.”

The spokesman confirmed the man's home had been visited and he had not been home. Asked if the man is now presumed dead the spokesman said it is too soon to be working on that basis.