New Appeal: Manchester Dogs Home Fire

Police are trying to find out more about the arson attack at Manchester Dogs Home that claimed the lives of 60 dogs.

Officers were called to the home on Moss Bank Road in Harpurhey around 7.20pm on Thursday 11 September 2014 following reports of a fire.

A 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy who were arrested on suspicion of arson and both remain on police bail.

Detective Inspector Neil Jones, said: "In the aftermath of the fire the response from the public was truly overwhelming.

"We have made two arrests but investigation is ongoing and we are hopeful that this appeal will yield new information.

"Nearly two months after the fire we are still trying to piece together exactly how the fire started and we are appealing to witnesses to come forward if they know anything about what happened.

"No piece of information is too small and that it is vital for witnesses to come forward should they think they know anything at all about the arson attack.

"Someone in the community could hold the key to unlocking this investigation without even knowing it.

"We are determined to establish exactly how and why this fire started and will be working closely with our partners from the Fire Service and Manchester Dogs Home.

"If anyone has any information about this fire I would urge them to contact us. You may be scared to come forward but I want to reassure you that we will support you and the information you supply will be kept in the strictest confidence."

Steve Mapley, Manager of Manchester Dogs' Home said:

"On behalf of our staff, trustees and volunteers, I would urge any member of the public who has any information about the fire to do the right thing and contact the police.

"This criminal fire claimed the lives of many of our dogs in an unspeakably cruel way, causing untold distress to our dogs and immense grief for our staff and supporters, as well as for animal lovers across the country.

"We are now working very hard to rebuild the Dogs' Home and continue our important work, but to see justice being done in terms of how the fire was started would help give us some much-needed closure as we move forwards."