Police investigating the cause of the devastating fire at Wythenshawe Hall say the blaze may have been started deliberately

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the investigation being conducted with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the probe is still in its infancy  but confirmed the fire is being treated as suspicious.

Police officers and the fire service have begun a preliminary investigation of the building and are now appealing for anyone who may have and information to come forward.

Inspector Luke Breakspear  of GMP’s South Manchester division said: “The investigation into how this fire began is in it’s infancy, however we are now treating it as suspicious.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have any information or may have seen anyone in the area in the early hours of this morning to come forward.

“This is a devastating fire in a beautiful building and we are determined to get to the bottom of how this could have happened.

“Luckily, no one was injured, but the damage to the building and its contents will have a lasting impact on the community, and those who dedicated their lives to Wythenshawe Hall.”