Overview

• The blaze erupted on June 23 at the derelict Hotspur Press building beside Oxford Road station, prompting a major incident declaration by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
• More than 20 fire engines, two aerial units and over 100 firefighters battled the inferno through the night before bringing it under control.
• Oxford Road station was evacuated and all lines suspended, while around 180 residents from two neighbouring apartment blocks were displaced.
• Originally built in 1801 and vacant since the 1990s with pending student-tower plans, the mill was gutted and deemed structurally unsafe.
• Specialist fire officers will join crews to probe the fire’s origin once demolition grants safe access to inaccessible areas, amid reported asbestos concerns.