Garden centre may close down following blaze

A Rochdale garden centre may be forced into closure after it was gutted by a fire that was started deliberately.

The blaze caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and a pet budgie, which had lived at Bowlee Nurseries, Heywood Old Road, Middleton, for 10 years, died in the fire.

Detective Constable Katrina Fitzsimons of Rochdale CID said: "The people who committed this crime can only be described as mindless vandals and they need to be held accountable for their actions.

The fire at the nurseries was started between 4am and 4.30am on Saturday morning (14 June). The offenders used an accelerant, which cause the blaze to spread quickly.

The offenders sprayed graffiti on the walls of the building and smashed the windows of a Rochdale Council van before fleeing the scene.

Police have not been able to get a description of the offenders at this stage.

The nursery is owned by the council and provides bedding plants and hanging baskets to all the local parks and to the local community at subsidised prices.

DC Fitzsimons continued: "This fire has caused so much damage, the community may now lose this facility.

"If anyone saw anything or if they know who committed this crime please get in touch."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1976 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.