Fire crews scramble to blaze at 'derelict' former care home

Fire crews rushed to the scene of a huge fire at a 'derelict' former care home in Gorton on Sunday evening.

The empty building just off Abbey Hey Lane, in Gorton, was pictured beneath huge clouds of smoke as flames escaped through the boarded up windows.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the emergency services remained in place at the scene for a number of hours. It is understood the fire broke out at some time after 9pm (March 13).

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It is understood that the building on fire is St George's, a former residential home which has been boarded up and empty for a number of years.

Greater Manchester Police were also in attendance.

There was speculation that the fire broke out following a deliberate arson attack, but this has not yet been confirmed.

People on a Facebook group for the local area commented beneath a post about the fire. One person said: "Just seen it go up, absolutely horrendous" as another added: "What a shame, it's lovely big place."

Various fire engines from the local area rushed to the scene and used hose jets and an aerial appliance to try and tackle the fire.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 9.30pm tonight (13 March) firefighters were called to reports of a property on fire on Abbey Hey Lane, Manchester.

“Fire engines from Ashton, Gorton, Philips Park and Whitehill stations arrived quickly at the scene. Fire crews using hose jets and an aerial appliance are working to extinguish the fire and make the scene safe. GMFRS have been in attendance for over two hours and remain at the scene.”

Greater Manchester Police added that they were informed of a 'building fire in a large derelict