Man arrested on suspicion of arson after Radcliffe flat fire

Police and fire services were called to Five Quarters, Radcliffe, at around 9pm. 

Firefighters battled the blaze at the property for around three hours. 

Police arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of arson with intent to danger and assaulting a police officer. 

No injuries have been reported.

Fire services attending last night (Image: Public)

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At around 9.15pm last night (Friday), we were called to reports of a house fire on Five Quarters in Radcliffe, Bury.

"A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to danger and police assault.

"A scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing." 

Today, Saturday, the property remains cordoned off, with police and investigators in attendance. It is a flat in a two-storey block. 

The burnt out property (Image: Newsquest)

There were cordons at the front and back of the property. 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Just after 9pm last night (Friday), three fire engines from Bury Central, Whitefield and Farnworth fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving a property on Five Quarters, Radcliffe.

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“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, they also used a gas detector and thermal imaging camera to ensure the property and neighbouring properties were safe.

“Firefighters were in attendance for around three hours.” 

Police on scene today (Image: Newsquest)

One resident, who was present at the time the fire broke out, talked about how she helped to evacuate people from the terrace. 

One resident who was present at the time said: "My husband was sat out, it was just after 9pm. Next thing he just shouted for me to get my phone. 

"Smoke was going up and flames shot out. We got everybody out of their houses, as we weren't sure about the gas. 

"Some lads got one lady out, they had to carry her out because she previously had a stroke. 

Debris at the front of the house (Image: Newsquest)

"In the time it took me to knock on people's doors, in just a minute or so, the flames got to the roof, with the guttering having come down. It just went up so fast."

Another resident said: "The fire brigade turned up at about 9pm, they were here until about midnight. 

"A young lad got taken away. Everybody had to get out of their flats because of the gas." 

The resident said he had to stay out of his flat for the full three hours.