Man charged with arson after fire at Manchester's Midland hotel

A man has been charged in connection with a fire at the Midland hotel in Manchester last week after a police investigation.

James Carter, 22, of no fixed abode, was charged with arson being reckless to endanger life.

Carter was also charged with arson over a fire at Manchester's Royal Exchange Arcade shopping centre on 21 December 2023.

He has been remanded into custody and appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court last Friday (12 January).

Emergency services responded to a fire at the Royal Exchange on 21 December 2023 and then the Midland hotel on 9 January 2024.

A Facebook post from Greater Manchester Police stated: “Despite causing significant damage and disruption to guests at the Midland Hotel thankfully, no injuries were reported.”

The 312-room Midland hotel underwent a £14m refurbishment in 2020.

It is due to host the 2024 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland awards ceremony on 5 February.