Man sought following blaze at disused Preston building

Law enforcement officials are seeking an individual who is unaccounted for following a fire that occurred at a vacant structure in Preston. According to Lancashire Police, investigators suspect that individuals may have been residing as rough sleepers at the Church Street premises prior to the conflagration on Tuesday. The police force stated its objective was to locate Marcin Kozierowski, aged 37, to confirm his “safe and well” status. Partial demolition of the structure commenced on Thursday, with operations anticipated to persist through the weekend. Superintendent Gary Crowe indicated that authorities suspected the presence of rough sleepers within the city centre edifice when the fire erupted around 18:30 GMT. He further stated, “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.” He also mentioned that the department would “continue to monitor the situation.” The incident is under investigation by Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Preston City Council, and Lancashire County Council. Four fire apparatuses from Preston, Bamber Bridge, and Blackpool were dispatched to the scene of the fire. Several thoroughfares, specifically Manchester Road and Church Street, Church Row and Church Street, and Guild Row and Church Street, have been rendered inaccessible to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, with alternative routes established.