Specialist dogs used to investigate cause of Wythenshawe Hall blaze

Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire at Wythenshawe Hall.

Published 16th Mar 2016

Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire at Wythenshawe Hall.

Investigating officers have reason to believe the fire was arson, however all possibilities are still being investigated.

Shortly after 3.30am on Tuesday 15 March 2016 police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called after a fire broke out in the timber-framed Wythenshawe Hall.

Specially trained Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue search dogs are being taken into the building today, Wednesday 16 March 2016, to assist with identifying the cause of the fire.

Inspector Luke Breakspear of GMP’s South Manchester division said: “Today our investigation into the cause of the fire will continue.

“We are still appealing for anyone with any information or may have seen anyone in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 15 March 2016, to come forward.

Although we have reason to believe the fire was arson, I would urge caution over speculation on social media as this can often be counterproductive.

“Wythenshawe’s community spirit is coming into its own with many offers of support to the volunteers who have kept the Hall running, for all to enjoy. I would like to reassure them that we are doing all we can to get to the bottom of what happened.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 4882, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.