Rochdale News | Headlines | Arrest for arson and assault after flames break out at hotel

A man has been arrested after a suspected arson attack led to a fire at a hotel in Middleton.

Emergency services arrived at the scene of the fire at the Assheton Arms Hotel on Market Place shortly after midnight on Sunday (September 15) and battled the blaze until the early hours of the morning.

The arrested man, aged around 30, is being questioned by officers from Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of arson and assault.

Several people were treated by North West Ambulance staff, but Greater Manchester Police said no one was injured.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “On Sunday 15 September 2024, at around 12.15am, we were called to a fire at a hotel on Market Place in Middleton, Rochdale.

“A man in his 30s was arrested by emergency services on suspicion of arson and assault. He remains in police custody and is being questioned.

“Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and the investigation is ongoing.”

A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 12.15am on Sunday (September 15, 2024), eight fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to the scene of a fire at a commercial building on Market Place, Middleton.

“Emergency responders arrived quickly and worked throughout the night to extinguish the fire. Firefighters used six breathing apparatus, three hose reels, a thermal imaging camera and two nine-metre ladders.

“All casualties were transferred to the care of the North West Ambulance Service and one casualty was taken to hospital. GMFRS was on scene for approximately 16 hours.”