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A massive fire and emergency services operation was underway after a student building went up in flames in Bolton.
Locals said the scene was “shocking” as residents were evacuated and workers battled the flames.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Bradshawgate in Bolton town center at 8. 50 pm.
“We currently have six fire engines in attendance,” she said.
There is also a significant police presence at the scene, and ambulances have been seen nearby.
Follow the latest in the live blog below …
We await updates …
This video shows the extent of the fire at The Cube building.
And social media is full of worrying images from the scene tonight.
Fire fighters and emergency services are yet to issue a major update for two hours now as workers battle to sub due the blaze. We await further updates.
What we know so far …
We are currently waiting for the emergency services to provide further updates.
Here’s what we know so far …
- Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Bradshawgate in Bolton town center at 8. (PM)
- The main site of the fire is student accommodation The Cube, which is six storeys tall
- There are 25 fire engines and two arial appliances currently at the scene
- Transport for Greater Manchester say that road closures are in place while they deal with The Blaze
- It is not known if there have been any casualties
Latest statement from the fire service
The fire service have just issued this statement …
At 20. (on November) , 2019, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire at a 6-storey building on Bradshawgate, Bolton. There are 25 fire engines and two arial appliances currently at the scene and firefighters are tackling the blaze using multiple jets. Local residents are being asked to keep their windows and doors shut and avoid the area where possible.
Falling debris at the scene of the fire
No officials have confirmed any casualties
One eye-witness has told the MEN they have seen students in tears outside the burning building, believed to be The Cube student accommodation.
They say they have seen ambulance leaving the scene.
As yet, no officials have confirmed any casualties.
More pictures from our photographer at the scene
(Image: Ashley Stocks)
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20 fire engines now battling blaze
More from the fire service
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said there were now 12 fire engines at the scene.
She added that two water jets were fighting the blaze.
Police issue message on fire
Officers from GMP Bolton North have taken to Facebook to issue this statement …
We are currently dealing with an incident on Bradshawgate and have a number of road closures in place. Please avoid the area until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.
“The main thing is I’m out and I’m safe”
“We currently have six fire engines in attendance”
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Bradshawgate in Bolton town center at 8. 50 pm.
“We currently have six fire engines in attendance,” she said.
The spokeswoman could say no more about the fire at this stage.
Fire service issue advice to locals
Students ‘crying on their phones’ at the scene of the blaze
Dominic Walsh, 36, was in a nearby curry house with his father when the fire started and he estimated between 50 and 100 people were evacuated from the building, which houses students.
He said: “We could smell smoke and we thought it was just coming from the kitchen, then a couple of fire engines rocked up and then a few people were coming out of the building, and then a few more.
”When we stepped out we could see the embers in the sky. We could see the building glowing at the top. ”
He said he didn’t see any casualties although a number of students were ‘crying on their phones’.
“It was pretty awful,” he said, adding: “They were just in shock.”
Images show ‘fire has spread ‘
Images on social media show that the fire is spreading to an adjacent building.
The MEN has reached out to emergency services for comment as the worrying situation unfolds.
The scene in Bolton at the moment
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