Police investigating the cause of the Wythenshawe Hall fire have confirmed it was started deliberately and have appealed to the public for help to find the culprits.
Investigating officers are treating the fire as arson after evidence showed that numerous attempts had been made around the building to start the fire. Continue reading “Police appeal for information as they confirm the Wythenshawe Hall fire was arson”
Wythenshawe Hall will be staging its Victorian Easter event as planned despite the devastating fire which destroyed the roof and clock tower of the historic Tudor building.
The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall have vowed to carry on with their planned events as they launch an appeal fund to help the popular attraction rise from the ashes.
Wythenshawe Hall’s event on Easter Monday, March 28 will be held outside in the park and will provide an opportunity for residents to show their support campaigners fighting to restore the building to its former glory.
The event will include Easter crafts, a treasure hunt, Punch & Judy show and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny.
An appeal fund launched shortly after the fire raised more than £1,000 in less than 24 hours. The campaigners aim to raise £250,000 to restore the building.
Can you help @WythenshaweHall raise £2000 by the end of today to help restore its Tudor Hall after a terrible fire? https://t.co/kbaaLIiQC7
— The Horsfall Space (@TheHorsfall) March 17, 2016
More than 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines tackled the blaze which started at 3.30am on March 15.
Meetings with Manchester City Council, who own the building, the Friends of Wythenshawe Hall and councillors in the area are being set up to come up with a plan to raise and MP, Mike Kane is raising the issue with the government department responsible for culture.
Meanwhile the Courtyard Cafe near the hall is open for business as usual.
The Courtyard Cafe at @WythenshaweHall is still open and as lovely as ever pic.twitter.com/zSCoN2HlCu
— Sarah Russell (@S_A_Russell) March 17, 2016
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services’ fire investigation team has been helping Greater Manchester Police with its investigation into the cause of the incident and it is thought that the fire was started deliberately.
Wythenshawe Police is appealing for anyone who may have any information to come forward by ringing 0161 856 4882, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
As police and fire investigators probe the cause of the Wythenshawe Hall fire, plans are already underway to bring in cash to restore the building.
More than 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines tackled the blaze which started at 3.30am on March 15.
The firefighters managed to save a lot of the building but the first floor, roof and clock tower was badly damaged.
Will be working with @WythenshaweHall Friends & @ManCityCouncil to secure future after devastating fire: https://t.co/eioxUS9Pke
— Mike Kane (@MikeKaneMP) 15 March 2016
Continue reading “After the fire: MP’s rallying call to save historic hall”
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.”
Firefighters are damping down after a blaze which destroyed the roof and badly damaged the first floor of historic Wythenshawe Hall.
Residents, councillors, local fund raisers and the Wythenshawe’s MP have said they are devastated by the fire which was tackled by 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines.
Wythenshawe councillor Chris Webb speaks to Key 103 near to the scene of this mornings fire #WythenshaweHall pic.twitter.com/u3ZFeWgobI
— Key 103 News (@KEY103NEWS) March 15, 2016
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Continue reading “Probe into cause of devastating Wythenshawe Hall fire underway”
