Two bodies found in Chinatown fire

Two people have been found dead after a blaze in Manchester City Centre

Published 25th Nov 2016

Two bodies have been discovered following a fire in Manchester the city centre. Shortly after 2.15am (Friday 25 November 2016) emergency services were called to a disused building in the Chinatown area of Manchester. Following a search by firefighters the bodies of two people were found and an investigation has been launched to establish the cause. The buidling on Nicholas Street was being used as a shelter by people sleeping rough. Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin, from GMP’s city centre team, said: “These are tragic circumstances and we working to identify the people who were found in the building. “I would appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to please call us.”

Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing for Manchester City Council, said: "This is tragic and shocking news and our hearts go out to those affected by it. "Our message to anyone who is sleeping rough is please come and access the help and support available. We will find you somewhere safe to stay. Our dedicated rough sleepers team are out every day offering to help anyone facing the prospect of rough sleeping and we would urge anyone in this position to access this support as soon as possible." Any rough sleepers who need help are encouraged to ring the rough sleepers team on 0161 2345339 (9am-4pm.) Outside these hours please contact 0161 255 8250.

Information can be passed on to police by calling 101 and quoting incident number 146 of 25 November 2016 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. PL