'No-fly zone' in latest update from Lancashire Police on Preston city centre blaze
Lancashire Police have issued a no-fly zone above the site of a major blaze earlier in the week in Church Street, Preston.
Restrictions on the flying of drones have been put in place from today (Friday, November 15) and will continue until further notice to ensure the safety of those working on the emergency response.
While the restrictions are in place, no drones may be flown within the restricted airspace. No uncrewed aircraft is to fly below 1,000ft above mean sea level.
The police have also informed that road closures have been put in place to vehicles and pedestrians. They include Manchester Road and Church Street, Church Row and Church Street and Guild Row and Church Street, with diversions in place.
Police are still appealing for information about a missing man who hasn’t been seen since the fire on Tuesday evening. He is Marcin Kozierowski, 37. There are concerns that there may have been people sleeping rough in the building. A search is forming part of the activity on site although no casualties have been found inside the wreckage off Church Street at this stage.
A joint investigation between police and fire services is ongoing, working with partners including Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council.
Supt Gary Crowe, of Lancashire Police said: “This remains very much a multi-agency operation to manage the response to a fire in Church Street, Preston.
“We have received information around the possibility of people sleeping rough within the building and this is forming part of our enquiries, including a search to find a missing man.
“Some demolition work has started and is expected to continue into the weekend, with road closures and diversions in place.
“We continue to monitor the situation and will update you in due course.”If you have any information, please contact police on 101, quoting log 1197 of November 12.