The devastating aftermath of a fire at a cemetery

Images show scorched graves and blackened headstones following the blaze on Saturday night.

Trinkets and flowers left by relatives in memory of loved ones have been reduced to ashes.

Fire crews were called to St Chad’s Church on Church Lane in Uppermill just before 7.20pm.

GMP Saddleworth shared images showing a huge plume of smoke billowing into the air above the cemetery and urged people to stay away so that emergency services could access the scene.

Officers wrote on Saturday night: “Large fire at Uppermill Cemetary fire and emergency services enroute. Please, please stay away.

“Small lanes and we need access. Appreciate that this is going to cause distress to people. We will update you as and when we can.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said crews were at the scene for around an hour and a half.

They added:

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have not yet released the cause of the incident, however it’s understood crews were called to the church last month after a fire was reportedly started deliberately.

The latest from GMP Saddleworth:

On Saturday, firefighters were also called to tackle another moorland fire which broke out in Denshaw, that afternoon.

Six crews attended the blaze and due to heavy winds saw thick smoke blown towards Marsden and west Yorkshire.

It comes two weeks after soldiers were drafted in to help crews battle a huge fire on Saddleworth Moor.

Some have described it as one of the worst wildfires in living memory, which transformed the immense beauty spot into a barren, almost volcanic landscape.

At the height of the blaze, homes in Carrbrook village had to be evacuated as the flames crept to within 50 yards of the properties.

A number of nearby schools were forced to close due to the thick smoke.