DETECTIVES investigating a fire in Manchester which led to the death of two men, including Irishman James Evans, have offered a £50,000 reward for information three months on.
Shortly after 2.15am on Friday, November 25, police were called to Nicholas Street to reports of a fire in a disused building.
Following a search by firefighters from GMFRS, the bodies of 57-year-old James Evans and 51-year-old Wayne Bardsley were discovered inside.
Following a joint investigation with the fire service, police launched a murder investigation.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Mr Evans was repatriated to Ireland following a GoFundMe appeal from his daughter Leanne Kay and was cremated on December 23 last year in west Dublin.
Detective Chief Inspector Amber Waywell, of GMPs Major Incident Team, said, “This is a complex investigation and we have already made one arrest however we need the public’s help to fully understand how these two men tragically lost their lives.
“We know that there are still people out there who must know the truth but haven't come forward.
“I'm hoping the reward of £50,000 will help you do the right thing and come forward with information which will lead to a successful conviction.
“It is very unusual to offer such a large sum of money and this is a life-changing amount that could have a massive impact on someone's quality of life.
“We are continuing to appeal to the public to come forward with information that can help our enquiries and are particularly interested in anyone who was on nearby Reynor Street between midnight and 2am on November 25 2016.
“Anything you know, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove to be the vital piece of the jigsaw.”
Anyone with information can contact the incident room directly on 0161 856 3400 or call police on 101, quoting incident number 146 of 25 November 2016, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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