An industrial unit which was doubling up as a church was engulfed by flames after a huge blaze broke out in north Manchester in the early hours of the morning.
Eight fire crews descended on the scene on Clifton Street in Miles Platting at 3.40am this morning (Saturday). The fire is believed to have broken out at two industrial buildings.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed to the M.E.N that one of the buildings was being used as a church.
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Pictures from the scene show rubble on the ground nearby, and the entrance to the building appears to have been badly damaged.
Numerous emergency services including fire crews, police, and paramedics have all been spotted at the scene. Aerial pictures released by GMFRS show the extent of the blaze, with thick acrid smoke captured bellowing out of the buildings.
It's not clear if anyone was inside either of the buildings when the blaze broke out, and the cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed.
A huge cordon has been erected as work continues to put out the fire, and make the area safe. Hulme Hall Lane has been taped off between Oldham Road and Bradford Road.
Several business owners are being prevented from accessing their units on the industrial estate due to the fire. One man told the M.E.N he was due to work today but now won't be able to.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 3.40am on Saturday 17 June, fire crews were called to reports of a fire on Clifton Street, Manchester.
“Eight fire engines from across Manchester and Salford, including a turntable ladder appliance, quickly attended the incident, which involves two detached industrial buildings.
“Firefighters have made good progress extinguishing the fire and remain at the scene.
“Hulme Hall Lane (A6010) remains closed between Oldham Road (A62) and Bradford Road. People are asked to avoid the area where possible.”
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
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