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Firefighters tackle major blaze in Northern Quarter

30/04/2007

A six-storey commercial building in Manchester city centre is in danger of collapse as firefighters struggle to bring a major blaze under control.

Up to 90 firefighters are working to quell the fire on the junction of Dale Street and Lever Street, which has now spread to a neighbouring building.

The Greater Manchester Fire Service, which was called to the fire at 05:55 BST, has been unable to confirm or deny that someone is trapped inside the burning building.

A spokesman from the fire service, Ged Higgins, told the BBC: "There are reports that people have been sleeping rough in the building in which the fire started, but we have not been able to confirm that at this stage."

A dozen fire engines and two specialist high-reach appliances have been called to the scene, which has been cordoned-off.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and a number of streets, including Lever Street Hilton Street, Newton Street and Oldham Road, have been closed.


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