Horwich waste recycling plant targeted in third arson attack

A waste recycling plant in Horwich, Greater Manchester has been set alight in what police believe is the third arson attack on the premises in the last few years. The fire, which started at Armstrong’s Environmental Services in the early hours of Tuesday (31st August) morning, caused massive disruption in the local area and firefighters are reportedly still on the scene.

Bolton CID are now attributing the cause of the fire to arsonists, who they believe set hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste on fire in a storage warehouse between the hours of 11pm on Monday night and 2.15am Tuesday morning.

The fire spread rapidly, causing thick billowing smoke to issue from the building. It is not yet known whether the premises was fitted with fire alarms, or any other fire safety or prevention equipment.

Local roads were closed to allow the emergency services to access the Mansell Way facility, and more than 40 firefighters were on the scene at the height of the blaze. It is likely that the fire service will remain at the scene until the end of the week.

A spokesperson for Bolton CID has commented on the incident, saying:

“This fire is being treated as malicious and we are keen for anyone with information to get in touch.

“It has caused a lot of disruption locally and caused massive inconvenience for residents and the firm itself.”