FIREFIGHTERS KEPT BUSY OVERNIGHT BY ARSONISTS AFTER TWO SEPARATE FIRES STARTED IN SALFORD

At around 10:30pm last night (06 Aug), GMFR were called to a small fire which has been set alight on the top floor of the derelict Crown Theatre in Eccles. The fire thought to be set by arsonists was quickly extinguished and only minor damage was reported to the historic building.

Then in the early hours of this morning (7th Aug) shortly after 5.50 am, police were called to reports of a fire at wasteland on Greenwood Street, Salford.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and police were in attendance, and the fire has now been brought under control.

A huge plume of smoke could be seen drifting across the City skyline this morning, it is thought that Tyres and light goods were set on fire.

Travel on the trains was also affected with Northern rail issuing a statement on temporary suspensions:

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“A lineside fire in Pendleton area is affecting services both towards Wigan and Manchester which are currently suspended.”

There were road closures in place. Ford Lane was closed to the public at the junction of Broughton Road, and Greenwood Street was closed at the junction of Redwood Street. Cordons have since been removed.

Enquiries in to the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5127, quoting incident number 309 of 07/08/18, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photos: Albert Spiby (Salford Online Group Admin) & @Leemond138 (Twitter)