Man arrested over Oldham blast death
Police arrest a man who they believe inspected the boiler of a house which exploded in Greater Manchester, killing a two-year-old boy.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the suspect, 32, was detained in the greater London area on Wednesday and taken into custody following Jamie Heaton’s death in Shaw, Oldham.
He has been brought to Manchester for questioning. Officers confirmed that the man was from the Shaw area but was not a resident of the street where the blast happened.
A GMP statement said: “We believe the man may have attended one of the properties in relation to the upkeep of the boiler and for that reason we need to speak to him.
“It is important that the media and local community do not jump to conclusions or speculate about this arrest.”
Jamie, described by his family as a “happy loving little boy” and “full of laughter” was killed as he watched TV in the front room of the family’s terraced house on Buckley Street.
Book of condolence
His mother Michelle survived the carnage after she momentarily stepped into the yard to hang out the washing.
Her husband Kenny and two other children, Jodie and Jack, were not at home.
A book of condolence in memory of Jamie has been opened at St James church in Shaw, following a special service.
The vicar of the parish, the Revd Lynne Connolly, said: “This is a shocking situation. The prayers of all the churches and centres of worship in Shaw are with the bereaved family and all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
“It’s a devastating situation for anyone to go through. I am at present offering prayerful support, and being a presence in the community. And our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected in any way and especially with the family of Jamie Heaton.”
‘Full of laughter’
In tribute, the victim’s family said: “Jamie’s life was full of laughter.
“He loved going to pre-school, playing with sand and water and going to the park.
“He touched the hearts of all who knew him and will be missed by all.”
Greater Manchester Police said a murder inquiry may be launched following the killer blast that struck at around 11.15am on Tuesday.
The explosion tore through three homes, killing Jamie and leaving neighbour Andrew Partington in hospital with serious burns.
Detectives said the 27-year-old faces “significant questions” in the wake of initial police and fire service investigations.
Officers are at his bedside at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester waiting to be given the go-ahead by doctors to quiz him.
Suspicious death
Steve Heywood, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said detectives had information suggesting the toddler’s death may not be accidental.
“We are treating it as a suspicious death and therefore a homicide investigation is undertaken,” he added.
Mr Partington’s partner, named locally as Tanya Williamson, had left the house earlier with her five children, leaving Mr Partington home alone at the time of the blast. On Thursday officers confirmed that Mr Partington had previously received a conditional discharge from magistrates after being arrested over an incident of domestic assault.
The massive explosion flattened number 11 Buckley Street, where Jamie lived, and number nine, where Mr Partington lived. It is understood Mr Partington had only moved into the property around six weeks ago.
Fire service officials said on Thursday that residents of houses with only superficial damage would be allowed access to the properties soon, with those with some structural damage would be escorted into their homes. However, police were keen to emphasise that the street remained a crime scene and urged homeowners to respect the cordon they had set up.
Flowers were left in tribute at the edge of the police cordon, which is expected to remain in place around the devastated streets at the centre of the blast for several days.