A man arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire near Dovestone Reservoir has been bailed, police confirmed on Saturday (July 18). The man, aged in his 20s, was one of two additional arrests made earlier this week by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The blaze broke out on Saturday, July 11, on moorland near the beauty spot in Greenfield, Oldham. Firefighters have been working in challenging conditions to tackle the vast fire for over a week.
Two Other Suspects Bailed or Charged
Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street, Hyde, appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 14, charged with one count of dangerous driving and one count of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. She has been bailed and will appear again at Manchester Crown Court on August 18.
A 19-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police Appeal for Information
In a statement on Friday, Detective Inspector Andrew Day of GMP's Oldham division said: “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 on the Reservoir.”
He urged the public to stop sharing speculation on social media and to report any information directly to police. “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,” he said.
DI Day thanked emergency service partners, particularly Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions. He also thanked the local community for their assistance, noting that numerous submissions had been received and the online portal remains open for further submissions.
