Horwich: Firefighters tackle blaze, incident handed to police

Officers from Horwich and Bolton Central fire stations were called to the fire on Chorley New Road at around 2.15pm today, January 19. 

They extinguished the fire within 30 minutes, before handing the incident over to the police this evening. 

No one was harmed. 

Crew manager Sam Dobson of Horwich station said: "We have been to a building fire in Horwich. It has been handed over to the police. 

Fire engine on scene (Image: Public)

"There was fire in the building, and smoke affecting the properties surrounding it, no people were involved. 

"We put the fire out pretty quickly, we turned out at around 2.15pm and sent four firefighter teams in with breathing apparatus and hose reels. 

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Police on scene tonight (Image: Newquest)

"The electrics within the building have been written off, but the fire damage within the building has been limited due to a quick response by the fire and rescue service - we got it under control pretty quickly. 

He added: "We handed it over to police at approximately 5.45pm, we had to wait for police to arrive, keeping the scene secure. 

"We were there for around three and a half hours, but we had the fire under control within the first 30 minutes." 

Firefighters (Image: Public)

A local resident said: "I heard a big bang all of a sudden, then there was lots of smoke and the fire engines turned up. 

"There was nobody in there, it has been empty for a couple of years, people were living there before though." 

Another resident said: "I didn't think anybody was there, it has been shut for ages, that shop."

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.