Hunt for arsonists after blaze at former Wigan education department building

Young firebugs are being hunted after a blaze at Wigan town centre building which was once part of the council’s education department.
By Charles Graham
Published 20th Apr 2022, 08:35 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2022, 08:35 BST
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Plumes of smoke could be seen from miles around as the flames took hold at the premises on Worsley Terrace at 7.30pm on Tuesday April 19.

The brick building years ago used to be part of what was called Gateway House, off Standishgate, and fire crews from Wigan and Hindley found abandoned children’s toys and local authority leaflets as they tackled the emergency.

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Worsley Terrace with the arson-hit building at the far endWorsley Terrace with the arson-hit building at the far end
Worsley Terrace with the arson-hit building at the far end
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Several youths had been seen leaving the place shortly before the fire was spotted.

It had been started in a first floor room and Hindley watch manager Nigel Shepherd said that thanks to a concrete roof, the flames were contained to that room, although the rest of the premises were smoke damaged.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.