Video footage has captured the terrifying moment a 'deliberate' fire ravaged a derelict social club in Leigh. The blaze broke out on Tuesday evening (July 5), with huge flames seen bursting from the windows.
It is understood the fire broke out at a former social club, now completely empty and derelict, on Railway Road in Leigh. Crews rushed to the scene to put out the flames, and remained there for five hours.
Dramatic pictures and video footage show huge flames escaping from the ground floor windows, with thick plumes of black smoke masking the area. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, which they now believe to be a deliberate act.
The fire service later confirmed the fire had spread to both the ground and first floors of the property. Multiple fire engines were at the scene for numerous hours.
The former conservative club, which opened in the late 1800s, is understood to have closed its doors almost a decade ago. It later reopened as the Leigh 180 club some years later before it shut for good.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 5.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 July) we were called to reports of a building fire on Railway Road, Leigh. Three fire engines from Leigh, Atherton, and Hindley fire stations were quickly at the scene, where crews encountered a fire involving the ground floor and first floor of a derelict commercial property.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels and specialist equipment to extinguish the blaze and clear smoke from the building. Crews were in attendance for around five hours.”
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
