Residents evacuated as huge blaze breaks out in factory

Around 100 homes were evacuated after a gas explosion caused a blaze at a disused factory on Bury Road in Radcliffe. Dozens of families were forced to spend the night at a local community centre.

Around 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines were called to the scene.

There were no casualties reported in the blast but windows were shattered in surrounding buildings due to the intense heat at the scene.

Zoe Joynson, who was evacuated from her home said: “It was like fireworks were going off. It’s been a bit scary, but we’re all fine. My 13-year-old daughter Katie was babysitting in one of the flats nearby, but she managed to carry the children downstairs in her arms. Thankfully they were all okay.”

Another witness, Jennifer Armour, said: “All we could see was the smoke and lights flashing.”

Station Manager Paul Duggan said: “We were faced with a very busy scene with a rapidly developing fire. It was difficult as there was limited access to the site and there were a large number of houses that were very close. The heat was such that it cracked windows in the flats opposite. All the residents really worked with us to make sure it was resolved safely.”

A joint is now being carried out by Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.