Lancashire Police on search for casualties at scene of Preston fire and fears for missing homeless man
Fears are growing for a missing homeless man who has not been seen since Tuesday’s fire at a derelict building in Preston city centre.
No casualties have been found inside the wreckage off Church Street at this stage, say police, as search efforts continue today.
But there are concerns for rough sleeper Marcin Kozierowski, 37, who is known to sleep rough in the city centre and is believed to have been among a number of homeless to shelter within the derelict building.
Martin has not been seen since Tuesday’s blaze and was reported missing the following day. Police are seeking to establish his whereabouts and ensure he is safe and well.
Firefighters and dogs from the urban search and rescue team are sifting through its charred wreckage for a third day, but have found no sign of any casualties.
The building is structurally unsafe and has been partially demolished, but search efforts must continue to ensure there are no casualties within the site before it is reduced to rubble by demolition crews.
Search dogs are also trained to sniff out accelerants as police and fire crews remain uncertain about how the fire started.
They were joined at the scene by Pete Marquis’ demolition team yesterday evening but work was hindered by thick mist and fog.
Lancashire Police said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fears for homeless in blaze-hit building
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances around a fire at a building in Church Street, Preston.
“As part of the investigation we have received information around people possibly sleeping rough within the building.
“This includes Marcin, who is currently being treated as missing. We are keen to establish his whereabouts as soon as possible and ensure he is safe and well.
“If you have any information please contact police on 101.”
In October 2022, a man’s body was found in the charred wreckage of a Preston church - St David’s in Eldon Street - after it was destroyed by fire.
After the fire was extinguished, fire crews found the man’s remains among the ruins. He was later identified as a man in his 30s, and was believed to have been homeless and living in the derelict church when it caught fire. The cause was ruled accidental.
Concerns have been raised about the number of derelict buildings which have caught fire in Preston in recent years, including the Grade II-listed St Joseph’s Orphanage in Mount Street, which suffered another serious fire last week (November 4).
The Post approached Preston City Council with these concerns but has yet to receive a response.