Moment pub bursts into flames in Bolton as smoke billows from burning bar

Footage has shown the moment a pub in Bolton burst into flames on Sunday (July 21) before emergency services arrived and cordoned off the main road.

Police and the fire service descended on Deansgate, in Bolton, to reports of the blaze at the Greyhound Pub at around 5am. The street was taped off as crews spent a number of hours tackling the flames.

Video footage now shared to social media show the moment the bar erupted, as thick clouds of smoke billowed out of the building.

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An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said. Once the flames had been dampened, forensics were seen scouring the premises for evidence.

People were urged to avoid the area, which was also evacuated, with the main route closed off throughout Sunday amid ongoing investigations. Pictures appeared to show the ground floor windows on the floor after being blown out in the incident, with the pub's interior also left charred.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 5am this morning (Sunday 21^st July), six fire engines, along with the Command Support Unit, Technical Response Unit and Breathing Apparatus Unit from across Greater Manchester were called to reports of a building fire involving a pub on Deansgate, Bolton.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus carried out a search of the property and are used three hose reels to extinguish the fire.

“Firefighters have been in attendance for around four hours, one fire engines remain at the scene. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Deansgate road is currently