BREAKING: Police make two further arrests in connection with Dovestone fire

Two further individuals have been arrested on suspicion of arson

Greater Manchester Police have made two further arrests in connection with the moorland fire near to Dovestone Reservoir which began last Saturday (July 11).

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been battling the blaze for almost a week, which began late on Saturday following reports of ‘loud bangs’ and youths setting off fireworks in the area.

It was understood to relate to a memorial for Karl Holland, 18, who died after getting into difficulty at Dovestone Reservoir.

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Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street in Hyde, appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 14) after being charged with one count of dangerous driving and one count of arson being reckless to whether life was endangered.

She has been bailed and will appear again at Manchester Crown Court on August 18.

And today (July 17) GMP have announced they have made two further arrests in connection with the blaze.

A 19-year-old woman was arrested yesterday (July 16) on suspicion of arson. She has been bailed pending further enquiries.

A man in his 20s was also arrested today on suspicion of arson and he remains in custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Andrew Day of Oldham division said: “This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir.

“I mentioned in my last update that we are aware of the social media posts circulating regarding this incident, it is a live police investigation, and I would like to stress the point again, to stop sharing and speculating regarding this and if you do have information, please report it to ourselves.

“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication. In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.

“I would like to thank the local community in Oldham and the whole of Greater Manchester for their assistance with this investigation, we have received numerous submissions which helped and the portal is still open for submissions.”

Road closures remain in place at Holmfirth Road and Bank Lanek, with no access to Dovestone Reservoir while firefighters and gamekeepers tackle the blaze.

GMP asked that members of the public avoid the affected areas, and that anyone with footage or information to assist the investigation submit it at their portal here: https://gmp.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/dovestonesfire