Police start flat blaze inquiry

An investigation is under way into the cause of a fire that badly damaged a flat in Greater Manchester.

Firefighters were unable to gain access to the mid-terrace property on Moston Lane, Moston, because it was in danger of collapsing.

The blaze broke out in a flat above a shop in the early hours, before spreading to three neighbouring houses.

Although there have been no reports of any injuries, firefighters have so far been unable to enter the property.

It will be some time before investigators will be able to confirm whether someone was in the flat Fire service spokesman

Moston Lane is closed, at its junctions with Kenyon Lane and Aaron Street and traffic diversions remain in place while the building is made safe.

A joint police and fire investigation is under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"At this stage, there have been no reports of any injuries," a spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said.

Firefighters arrived at the property in the early hours of Thursday and went in wearing breathing apparatus in the belief there may have been people inside.

They were brought back after it became apparent that it was unsafe to enter because of the damage caused by the intense heat of the blaze, a fire service spokesman said.

"It will be some time before investigators will be able to confirm whether someone was in the flat," he added.