Hotspur Press fire probe 'too dangerous'

INVESTIGATION CLOSED DUE TO SAFETY FEARS

- By NEAL KEELING

AN INVESTIGATION into a fire which badly damaged the Hotspur Press building has been closed due to its “extremely dangerous” condition.

The historic mill, believed to be among the oldest in Manchester with parts dating to the 1790s, was heavily damaged when an enormous blaze broke out on June 23.

Its owner, MCR Property Group, confirmed last week that certain parts of the building, officially called Medlock Mill, have been 'identified for demolition to remove risk to the public?

The M.E.N. can reveal a forensic examination of the site is not possible due to the condition of the building following the devastating blaze.

Police and fire chiefs also believe that any potential evidence will have been lost due to the ferocity of the flames.

It has also been confirmed scrutiny of CCTV cameras in the vicinity has failed to reveal any clues to the cause.

More than 100 people had to be evacuated from buildings nearby, with smoke visible for miles during the fire.