Investigation underway into Levenshulme tyre yard fire

It has been confirmed that police are now investigating a large blaze at a tyre recycling centre in Manchester on Monday which led to road closures.

Greater Manchester Police are treating the fire, which began at 6:15am on Monday morning, as a possible arson attack.

The fire had such an impact that motorists were warned not to travel through Levenshulme as fire crews battled to control the raging inferno at the tyre depot situated on Sandfold Lane.

The radio and internet appeals to avoid the area were necessary as the blaze caused thick black smoke clouds to rise across the area. Schools were also warned to keep all doors and windows closed, while roads around Sandfold Lane and Mount Road were closed to give fire crews full access to the yard.

It was reported that hundreds of tyres had been destroyed in the fire and it took around 50 firefighters to combat the blaze using aerial extension ladders. The fire was eventually brought under control allowing fire crews to damp down the area.

The arson probe is now underway as police work with the fire service to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire.

No injuries were reported following this incident.