Social services offices set on fire after tyre dumped and torched next to it

Heaton Norris’ social services office had doors badly damaged and was smoke logged following the blaze on Tuesday.

A council building was set alight when a tyre was dumped next to it and deliberately torched.

The social services office, on Baker Street, Heaton Norris had its doors badly damaged and was smoke logged following the blaze on Tuesday (February 26) at 3.30am.

Crews from Whitehill fire station were called to the scene and say it is the latest in a spate of deliberate fires in the Heaton Norris area.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to extinguish the flames, then vented the building of smoke.

A council security guard had also been called and let them in.

Other deliberate fires in the area have included more dumped tyres being set alight near a medical centre on Belmont Way on February 19.

Flames spread to a nearby garage on this occasion. Police have been informed about both incidents.

Martin Petch, watch manager at Whitehill station, said: “The tyre was left next to the building and set alight.

The fire spread to the doors and destroyed them.”Police have been informed and are making further enquiries.

There have been a number of incidents in the Heaton Norris area and we are carrying out a number of initiatives in places we think are most at risk, such as knocking on doors and offering free home fire safety checks.”