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Detectives investigating a “completely reckless” arson at a factory have released images of four suspects on CCTV.
The images capture a man carrying what appears to be a lever, and another running with two green cans.
A gym owned by former world boxing champion Anthony Crolla was one of several businesses destroyed in the resulting fire at Morton Mill in Failsworth, Oldham.
The men, all dressed in black with their faces covered and gloves on, are caught running through the building and testing doors in the early hours of March 29.
(Image: ASP)
Police said six businesses in total operated from the 106-year-old factory.
A series of gyms, a furniture store, and a sign firm are believed to have been based there.
All have been unable to open since the fire, police said.
Detectives said the fire “could easily have had devastating consequences,” but luckily no one was injured.
(Image: GMP)
At the height of the fire, more than 40 firefighters were on the scene.
The images and videos show flames shooting into the rooftops of the surrounding buildings.
Police said the fire service called them to the scene at 5.30 in the morning.
Fire crews remained on the scene for days, making sure the fire was completely extinguished and ensuring that the building was structurally safe.
(Image: GMP)
In a statement, GMP said: “Unfortunately, the fire was too severe to prevent further damage.
“Six companies operate their services from the factory and have not been able to open since the fire.
“Following investigations, detectives have established that the fire started deliberately and have released CCTV footage of that morning as part of a request for information.”
Detective Steven Gilliland said: “This fire has affected many people, from business owners to the local community, and although a month has passed, we are working hard to locate those responsible, but we need the help of the public.”
(Image: MEN)
“It goes without saying that this incident could easily have had devastating consequences, but fortunately no one was injured in the fire that nine fire trucks had to deploy to tackle.
“This can only be described as a completely reckless crime and would urge anyone with any information, however small or insignificant it may seem, to contact the police.”
One of the gyms involved was Fox Amateur Boxing Club, where Crolla honed his talent when he was young.
(Image: GMP)
The former WBA lightweight world champion, who now owns the club, told the Manchester Evening News: “To be honest, it’s heartbreaking.
“I can not understand it.
“I have many good memories from there. I trained there as a child, I trained there as a professional.
“But it’s not just about me. It’s about the kids at the club. It’s about my friends who have other businesses there.”
“It is all their livelihood.
“They have invested so many hours, they have put their hearts and souls into building their businesses.”
Anyone with information should call the police at 0161 856 8999 or 101 citing incident number 300 on 03/29/2020, or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
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