LIVE updates as police cordon in place with emergency services at scene

A cordon is in place this morning after a fire in south Manchester.

Police and firefighters were called to Wilbraham Road in Chorlton in the early hours to reports of a fire at a building.

A cordon remains in place this morning at the scene, outside a house near to St Werburgh's Road tram stop, as the investigation continues.

The emergency services were first called at about 4am.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Just before 4am on Saturday 15 March, crews were called to reports of a fire at a home on Wilbraham Road, Chorlton.

"Three fire engines from Withington, Sale and Moss Side stations quickly attended the incident, which involved a fire on the ground floor of a detached property.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.

"GMFRS crews remain in attendance."

Updates to this breaking story will be published below.

The property is understood to have been on the tail end of renovations, with the residents looking to move in during the summer @MENnewsdesk

Our reporter Helena says that fire investigators are working at the scene and taking pictures of the damage.

The site was already locked down for ongoing construction @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/USYqjCq2rs

You can smell the smoke from the fire that has burned out the building from the road. Scorch marks and smoke can be seen around the front doorway @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/UwDgGOz8YA

I’m here on Wilbraham Road where there has been a house fire at a property under renovation @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/gASz23AjTb

A statement has been issued by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service about the incident.

It reads: "Just before 4am on Saturday 15 March, crews were called to reports of a fire at a home on