A MAN has been arrested for arson following a house fire in Lees, Oldham.

At around 9am yesterday morning, May 25, a blaze broke out at a house on Victoria Street in Lees.

Following the fire, a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Today videos were sent to The Oldham Times that appear to show black smoke billowing from a terraced house in Lees.

In one of the videos firefighters can be seen battling the blaze with a hose.

The footage was sent to The Oldham Times by reader, Murray Coleman who witnessed the fire from his home in Acorn Mill on Mellor Street, Lees.

Discussing the blaze, he said: “I live on the top floor of Acorn Mill in Lees and am currently working from home.

“On Wednesday morning at around 9am, I was on a video call and turned my head to the left and saw black smoke billowing from a house across the way on Victoria Street from my window.

“I also saw two fire engines and police cars at the scene.”

In a statement today (May 26), a spokesperson from GMP said: “A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.”

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spokesperson said the blaze was on the corner of Victoria Street and Ancoats Stret, adding: “Just after 9am on Wednesday 25 May, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a house on Ancoats Street, Lees.

“Two fire engines from Oldham and Mossley stations quickly attended the incident.

"Firefighters used three hose reels and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire and make the area safe.

“GMFRS crews were in attendance for around an hour and 45 minutes.”