POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with a fire at a hotel in Manchester.

There were dozens of people in the hotel on Saturday and the consequence of this malicious arson attack could have been fatal. 

At about 1.10pm on Saturday 21 July 2012, a fire was found in the laundry room on the fifth floor of the Midland Hotel, Peter Street.
The cleaner’s trolley had been set on fire. 

The Greater Manchester Fire Service managed to bring the fire under control but the fire caused significant damage to the storage area.
Police are treating the fire as suspicious and are appealing to anyone who may have information about the fire. 

Police look for this manPolice look for this manDetective Sergeant Shagufta Khan from North Manchester CID, said “The fire caused significant damage to the laundry room and it is probably by sheer luck that no one was injured.

“The alarm was activated and the fire was brought under control before it had chance to spread. There were dozens of people in the hotel on Saturday and the consequence of this malicious arson attack could have been fatal. My officers and I are taking this extremely seriously and we are doing everything we can to find those responsible.

“I would urge you to take a close look at the image of this man. If you recognise him or have any information about the fire, please contact me.”

Anyone with information is asked to call North Manchester CID on 0161 856 3543 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.