Student flats go up in flames
A MASSIVE fire and emergency services operation was launched on Friday evening after a student building went up in flames in Bolton.
Locals said the scene was “shocking” as residents were evacuated and firefighters battled the flames.
Fire crews were called to Bradshawgate in Bolton town centre at 8.50pm.
One eye-witness told the M.E.N. they saw students in tears outside the burning building, which was believed to be The Cube student accommodation.
They said they had seen ambulances leaving the scene.
As the M.E.N. went to press no officials had confirmed any casualties.
Dominic Walsh, 36, was in a nearby curry house with his father when the fire started and he estimated between 50 and 100 people were evacuated from the building.
He said: “We could smell smoke and we thought it was just coming from the kitchen, then a couple of fire engines rocked up and then a few people were coming out of the building and then a few more.
”When we stepped out we could see the embers in the sky.
“We could see the building glowing at the top.”
He said he didn’t see any casualties although a number of students were ‘crying on their phones.’
“It was pretty awful,” he said, adding: “They were just in shock.”
Images on social media showed the fire spreading to an adjacent building.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were advising local residents to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed