Arson suspect released on bail after horrific fire rips through home

A suspect arrested on suspicion of arson after a horrific fire tore through a home has been released on bail, police have now confirmed.

The blaze broke out in a home on Lawton Road in Heaton Chapel just after 1:30am on Monday (May 13) with witnesses seeing smoke and fire billowing from the roof. Evidence of a cannabis farm was later found at the house.

Eight fire engines raced to the scene, with crews working through the night to tackle the flames. Police confirmed that no one was injured in the fire.

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A woman and young child, who were inside the property at the time, ran to safety before emergency services arrived. Those living in two neighbouring properties were also temporarily evacuated.

The Manchester Evening News understands the cause of the fire has not yet been determined with an investigation currently ongoing. However, evidence of a cannabis farm was later found on the top floor of the property.

A man, who was arrested on suspicion of arson and the cultivation of cannabis, has since been released on police bail amid ongoing enquiries.

Crews from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) remained at the property throughout Monday, alongside police officers who were carrying out door-to-door investigations.

Previously, a GMFRS spokesperson said: "Just before 1.30am this morning (Monday 13 May) several fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to reports of a building fire involving a property on Lawton Road, Heaton Chapel.

"Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels, a covering jet and a turn table ladder to extinguish the fire. Firefighters have been in attendance for around six hours and are still at the scene working with the local authority to keep the scene safe."