Huge search launched after two youths seen entering derelict pub moments before it caught fire

13.02.2022 - 01:17 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

A huge search has been launched after two youths were seen entering a derelict pub moments before it caught fire.

More than 30 firefighters and police officers spent four hours battling the blaze, before searching the old Railway pub in Irlam in Salford on Saturday evening.

A police spokesperson said: "Thankfully the building was empty and no one was hurt."

As the Manchester Evening News reported Liverpool Road in Irlam was closed after the fire broke out at about 4pm.

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Diversions were put in place and drivers were urged to avoid the area.

Now police have apologised for the 'chaos'.

A post on the GMP Eccles, Cadishead, Barton and Irlam Facebook page said: "Apologies for the chaos and road closures caused tonight around the derelict Railway Pub on Liverpool Rd at Cadishead.

"Two youths were seen going into the site and shortly afterwards at 4.18pm, a fire was reported inside the building.

"The fire took hold quickly and went into the roof space. It took four fire engines, four Police vehicles, 20+ officers from GMFRS and 7 cops, 4 hrs to extinguish the blaze, make it safe and search the building thoroughly for the two youths, who had not been seen to come out again.

"Thankfully the building was empty and no one was hurt. Thanks again for your patience with the road closures."

Earlier a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 4pm this evening five fire engines from Eccles, Irlam, Birchwood, Lymm and Salford Central fire stations along with a Hydraulic Platform from Leigh were called to reports of a building fire involving a derelict pub on Liverpool