Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have made two further arrests in connection with the moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir, which broke out on Saturday, July 11. The blaze, which has been burning for nearly a week, is suspected to have been started by fireworks set off by youths in the area, following reports of loud bangs.
Arrests and Charges
A 19-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday, July 16, on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further enquiries. A man in his 20s was also arrested on Friday, July 17, on suspicion of arson and remains in custody for questioning. These arrests follow the earlier charge of Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street in Hyde, who appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 14, charged with one count of dangerous driving and one count of arson being reckless to whether life was endangered. She has been bailed and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 18.
Investigation Update
Detective Inspector Andrew Day of Oldham division stated: “This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir.” He urged the public to stop sharing speculation on social media and to report any information directly to police. “I mentioned in my last update that we are aware of the social media posts circulating regarding this incident, it is a live police investigation, and I would like to stress the point again, to stop sharing and speculating regarding this and if you do have information, please report it to ourselves.”
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been battling the blaze since it began, with firefighters working in demanding conditions. Road closures remain in place at Holmfirth Road and Bank Lane, with no access to Dovestone Reservoir while firefighters and gamekeepers continue to tackle the fire. The fire is believed to be linked to a memorial for Karl Holland, 18, who died after getting into difficulty at the reservoir.
Detective Inspector Day thanked emergency service partners and the local community for their support: “As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication. In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions. I would like to thank the local community in Oldham and the whole of Greater Manchester for their assistance with this investigation, we have received numerous submissions which helped and the portal is still open for submissions.”
GMP has asked the public to avoid the affected areas and to submit any footage or information via the online portal at https://gmp.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/dovestonesfire.
