An investigation has been launched to “establish the cause” after a woman has died following a house fire in Oldham.
Emergency services were called to reports of a fire on Saint Thomas Street North in Oldham at around around 4:10pm this past Saturday (24 June), and response teams from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and accompanying medical professionals rushed to the scene.
But despite the best efforts of first responders, a 42-year-old woman sadly lost her life.
As fire crews “worked through the night” to contain and extinguish the blaze, residents living in neighbouring homes were evacuated, and nearby streets were closed off – with some closures still thought to be in place.
#FIRE | At around 4.10pm this afternoon (Saturday 24 June 2023), emergency services were called to a fire on Saint Thomas Street North, #Oldham.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, a 42-year-old woman sadly died at the scene
Police confirmed the closures remained in place while enquiries are ongoing to “establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire”.
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Revealing that the victim’s next of kin have been informed, and passing GMP’s condolences onto her loved ones, Chief Inspector Robert MacGregor confirmed that an investigation has now been launched, and “enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire” – with the woman’s family “kept updated” throughout the process.
“A number of residents remain displaced from their homes,” CI MacGregor added, “But have been provided with alternative accommodation by Oldham Council [and] we are working with partner agencies to get them back into their homes as safely and soon as possible.”
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Investigation launched to ‘establish the cause’ after woman dies in Oldham house fire / Credit: GMFRS (via Facebook)
Jean-Pierre Helliwell, who is the Group Manager for Bolton and Wigan at GMFRS, also passed on the “thoughts and deepest condolences” of everyone at the fire service to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones, and admitted to being “incredibly saddened” by the news.
He explained that fire crews “worked extremely hard” and “made use of all available resources” to bring the fire under control and eventually extinguish it.
With the investigation now underway, GMP is urging anyone with any information on the incident to contact police on 101 quoting 2564 of 24/06/2023 or reporting to online at gmp.police.uk.
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Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Tameside police appeal for witnesses after two men were stabbed and doused in chilli oil
Emily Sergeant
Police are appealing for information regarding ‘multiple incidents’ that were reported in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre earlier this week.
These incidents – which took place on Tuesday evening (18 August) – included reports of assaults involving a non-toxic liquid substances, now found to have been chilli oil, and reported stabbings – with several locations examined by detectives and forensic specialists, and scenes now in place on Stamford Street, Warrington Street, and Wood Street while investigations continue.
Two men, aged 44 and 50, were taken to hospital with injuries consistent with stab wounds, but thankfully, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that their injuries are not deemed life-threatening.
A 30-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault (grievous bodily harm) and both remain in custody for questioning.
Police believe that the incidents are linked and they are not looking for anyone else in connection.
They are, however, keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any of the incidents or has relevant CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage that could assist with ongoing investigations.
Can you help? Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact police on 101 or via LiveChat, quoting log 3984 of 18/08/26.
Alternatively, you can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Tribute paid to man ‘loved by so many’ stabbed to death in Levenshulme
Daisy Jackson
The brother of a man stabbed to death in Levenshulme has paid a heartbreaking tribute to him.
Zherko Rasul Osman was just 24 years old when he was fatally wounded in an incident on Chapel Street on Saturday evening.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services personnel, Zherko sadly died at the scene.
Now, his brother has paid tribute to him, saying he was ‘someone who was loved by so many’.
The touching tribute reads: “My brother was a kind, friendly and loving person who never looked for trouble or wanted to harm anyone.
“He was loved and respected by his friends, his mates and the neighbours in the community where he lived. He had a good heart and would always be remembered for the warmth and happiness he brought to those around him.
“His life was taken so suddenly and for no reason, leaving a pain and emptiness that words cannot describe. We are heartbroken that someone who was loved by so many is no longer here. He deserved to live his life and make memories with the people he loved.
“He will never be forgotten. His smile, his kindness and the memories we shared with him will stay in our hearts forever. We love you, and we will miss you every single day.”
Zherko Rasul Osman suffered serious stab wounds on Chapel Street in Levenshulme at around 7.06pm on Saturday 15 August.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning. A 27-year-old man who had also been arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail pending further enquiries.
Officers continue to make progress as the investigation continues. It is believed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.
Police are urging anyone who may have information to please report it through the dedicated online portal HERE.
Anyone in the Chapel Street area around the time of this incident, or who has mobile phone, CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage can contact police on 0161 856 9008 quoting the log number 2983 of 15/08/2026.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
26th June 2023 
