Fire at takeaway started deliberately

A takeaway was set alight in Rochdale.

Shortly after 3am on Wednesday 16 May 2012, police were called to Spotland Road, Spotland, following reports of a fire.

Officers attended and discovered a fire at the Hafiz takeaway.

No one was injured in the incident but it is believed the fire was started deliberately.

Six fire fighters with breathing apparatus lead an old lady from an a joining flat to safety. The lady needed ambulance treatment for the affects of smoke.

Detective Constable Mike Berger, from Rochdale CID, said: "Anyone who deliberately starts a fire - regardless of where that might be - puts the lives of innocent members of our community at risk.

"Thankfully on this occasion no one was present at the property and the fire service was able to quickly bring the fire under control.

"If anyone has any information about those responsible I would urge them to get in touch.

"Whoever did this may well have got injured in the process and if you have seen anyone with burn injuries since the early hours of this morning please call us.

"If someone is injured I would also clearly urge them to seek medical assistance."

Anyone with information can call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A fire damaged the flat above the takeaway eariler this year, see:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/65356/fire-damages-flat-above-takeaway