Fire crews and police remain on the scene this morning
Emergency services remain on the scene after a huge fire broke out in Leigh overnight.
The blaze broke out at a ‘derelict building’ on Ellesmere Street at around 10.50pm on Friday evening (February 6). Six fire engines were called out, as well as an aerial unit.
Police officers and paramedics were also called. Pictures and video clips from the scene showed huge flames engulfing the entire building as thick, black smoke billowed into the sky.
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The church-style building where the blaze broke out is believed to the former King Street School. A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said no injuries were reported in the fire.
Local residents were advised to keep their windows and shut are the fire took hold of the building in the early hours. Crews remain on the scene this morning dampening down hotspots.
A number of road closures are in place, including on King Street and on Ellesmere Street.Emergency services are expected to remain on the scene ‘for the foreseeable’, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said.
A GMFRS spokesperson said in a statement: “At around 10.50pm on Friday 6 February, six fire engines from across Greater Manchester and an aerial appliance attended a fire involving a derelict church on Ellesmere Street, Leigh. Crews arrived quickly and used five jets and two turntable ladders to bring the fire under control.
“Greater Manchester Police managed cordons around the area and evacuated nearby residents. North West Ambulance Service also attended in a supportive capacity. Firefighters remain on scene this morning.”
A GMP spokesperson said: “#UPDATE | Officers are currently supporting partners following reports of a fire at a church on Wilds Passage, Leigh. There are no reported injuries.
“Emergency services will continue to be in the area for the foreseeable. A number of road closures are in place including King Street from the junctions of Spinning Jenny Way/ Twist Lane to the end of the road bridge over the canal where King Street merges to St Helens Road.
“Ellesmere Street at the junction of Spinning Jenny Way is also closed off. Please be mindful of these and avoid the area where possible. Thank you for your patience whilst emergency services deal with the incident.”