Man, 71, confirmed dead after blaze at Harpurhey retirement block

A man has tragically died after a fire broke out at a block of retirement apartments in Harpurhey. The blaze took hold of one of the flats, at Apprentice Court on Wednesday evening, at around 6pm (April 20).

Fire crews rushed to the blaze on Caversham Drive, as well as paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service and officers from Greater Manchester Police. It was later confirmed that a male, aged 71, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It took crews three hours, until around 9pm to dampen the flames and make the area safe. Forensics remained at the scene well into the evening as enquiries were carried out.

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Five fire engines raced to the scene of the fire, which saw the window of the first floor flat smashed and blackened around its frame. The cause of the flames are not yet known but an investigation remains underway, according to Greater Manchester Police.

The block is made up of various retirement flats and are managed by Northwards Housing, on behalf of Manchester City Council. The residents were all evacuated temporarily but were able to return to their homes by around 9pm.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "The Council would like to extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the resident who lost their life. In the immediate aftermath of the fire the Council worked with Greater Manchester Police and the Fire Service to support those who were affected.

"All residents were able to return to their homes by 9pm, with additional wellbeing support put in place during Thursday, 21 April. Going forward the Council will be supporting the emergency services with their investigation into the cause of this fire."

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