Video footage has revealed the moment the Manchester City merchandise kiosk fire began outside the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night (January 29).
Jumpers, t-shirts and scarves were set alight shortly before 6pm, as thousands of fans were arriving at the stadium ahead of City's clash with Club Brugge. New videos, shared by CityHQ, appeared to show the fire moments after it broke out.
The blaze quickly engulfed over the kiosk, outside the Colin Bell West stand, with the area evacuated by stewards and security staff and emergency crews racing to the scene on blue lights.
The fire erupted, causing huge plumes of smoke to billow over the stadium just as fans were gathering for a presentation of the club's January signings on a stage.
Huge crowds were being pushed back and fleeing the area in chaotic scenes after the fire broke out. The blaze was eventually dampened, with a number of entrance gates also closing for the evening. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Afterwards the kiosk which had been filled with t-shirts, jackets, jumpers and other Man City merch was left completely ravaged by the flames.
Manchester City later confirmed the fire had broken out at a merchandise kiosk close to the Colin Bell West Stand. A statement added: "Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished.
"The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park
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