"It's a huge shock...": Residents told to evacuate £15million city centre apartments due to 'severe hazard'

Residents of a £15m Manchester city centre apartment block have been told to move out after the building was deemed a severe fire risk. Hundreds of tenants at Skyline Chambers on Ludgate Hill in Angel Meadows have been put up in hotels after being given the shock news on Friday afternoon.

In a letter seen by the M.E.N from Greater Manchester's chief fire officer, Dave Russel headed 'Urgent - action required' they were told a recent investigation had found the risk of 'fire spread' in the internal courtyard was 'very high' adding: "A recent fire risk appraisal of the external wall means the understanding of the fire risk has changed."

In the letter, Mr Russell added: "I am of the view that the risk to residents is so serious that the premises ought to be prohibited." From noon on October 20, a prohibition notice will be served on the flats making it illegal to live there until work has been carried out to make the building safe.

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One tenant, a student who lives with his girlfriend, said: "It was a huge shock. It just came out of the blue. We were told we'd get a call within the hour arranging for us to go to a hotel, but we're still waiting.

"They said they found out late on Friday and wanted to let everyone know straight away. We spent last night in the apartment, which was really worrying. We could hear people moving out with suitcases even at 10-11pm.

"We've all seen the horror stories with all the fires because things like this haven't been taken care of. My girlfriend's parents have been worrying like crazy."