A road was closed off for hours this afternoon (June 2) after a fire broke out at a derelict pub. Residents of Outwood Road, Heald Green, reported the blaze at the former Beech Tree pub around 12.30pm with smoke sent billowing into the sky.
The road was closed off by the fire service with a warning of a 'hazardous area' emblazoned on the tape. A large crowd of residents looked on as the fire service dealt with the blaze, which was to the rear of the derelict site.
Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, with the distinct smell of smoke hanging in the area. A resident who neighbours the pub told the Manchester Evening News that the fire broke out suddenly and is the first blaze they are aware of at the site. READ MORE: BREAKING: Woman dies after stabbing with major police presence and helicopter at scene - live updates The road was closed off for around two hours.
At its height seven fire engines were called to the scene to the fire that was quickly brought under control A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At 12.30pm this afternoon (Friday 2nd June), seven fire engines from Wythenshawe, Stockport Central, Offerton, Sale, Stretford and Marple fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving a derelict pub on Outwood Road, Heald Green. "Crews arrived quickly at scene.