Man who died in a fire in Bolton is named as Geri Rapo

A man who died following a fire at a premises on Bolton Road in Farnworth, Bolton has been named by his family as 22-year-old Geri Rapo.

Emergency services were called to Bolton Road at around 1pm on 27 November 2023, to reports of a fire at the building.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) responded and over the next few days extensive work was carried out to secure the building and make it safe for officers to carry out a search.

On Saturday 2 December 2023, a body was sadly discovered within the building and the identity of the man found is now confirmed to be that of Geri Rapo.

A joint investigation by GMP and GMFRS remains ongoing with extensive enquiries being carried out to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “I speak on behalf of the whole investigation team when I say the thoughts of everyone remain with the victim’s family. Specially trained officers have been deployed to support them at this difficult time and we can only imagine the pain of their loss.

“Extensive work remains ongoing with regards to the activities at the building in the time leading up to the fire. We are committed to establishing the set of circumstances that led to this tragic event and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to uncovering any criminal offences that may have taken place.

“If anyone has any information about the fire - including if you have any footage (such as CCTV, mobile or dashcam) – I urge you to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team."

You can make a report by calling 0161 856 1995 quoting log number 1485 of 27/11/2023 or via the reporting function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.