Police treating Glodwick fire as arson

Police have confirmed they are treating a fire at a disused rectory building in Glodwick as arson.

Emergency services responded to reports of the blaze at a three-storey building next to St Mark with Christ Church on Glodwick Road at around 9pm on Thursday evening (26 September). 

Fire crews from Oldham, Chadderton, Hollins, Blackley, Heywood and Mossley worked throughout the night on Thursday to bring the blaze under control and eventually extinguish the flames. 

Nobody was inside the building at the time and no-one was injured. 

There was no damage to the main part of the church but the community centre next door sustained damage, as shown in the short video below captured by our photographer Nigel Wood. 

Emergency services remained at the scene throughout Friday to investigate the cause of the fire and police have now said they are treating the incident as arson.

They want to hear from anyone who may have any information about the fire and how it started.

Detective Sergeant Jason Byrne, of GMP’s Oldham District, said: “I would like to reassure those affected that we will do all that we can to bring those responsible into custody. 

“We would encourage anyone who may have been a witness or anyone who may know any details to come forward.” 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1382, quoting incident number 3151 of 26/9/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.