FIRE FIGHTERS TACKLE CHURCH BLAZE

Updated 14:02|Roads now reopened.

Updated 01:02|

Updated 00:44|

Manchester Fire services confirm the fire is now under control, they will not no the cause till later this morning so we will do further updates then.

Updated 00:30 |

Updated 00:20 | Several appliances are now starting to leave the scene as the blaze seems to be being brought under control and they are no longer needed.

Updated 00:04 |  

Updated 23:58 | 2 more engines have turned up to tackle the blaze, local sources say damage is considerable. Still no news of any casualties so with luck it will stay that way.

Updated 23:30 | Two engines have arrived to assist with ladders, no news on casualties as yet, hopefully it will stay that way. Members of the congregation have started to gather outside the church to join Church Elders and Leaders in prayer as the firefighters try to bring the blaze under control as soon as possible. Memorial Road currently closed.

Firefighters from several stations have been drafted in to tackle a large fire at a church on Memorial Road in Walkden.

Crews currently at a church on fire in Stanley Road in Walkden. Pumps from Agecroft, Eccles, Farnworth, Atherton and Leigh in attendance.

— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) November 20, 2016

Appliances and staff are still in attendance and so far the cause of the blaze has not been established.

@airgirl999 we’ll provide an update when we can.

— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) November 20, 2016