Plumes of smoke filled a shopping centre in Manchester after a much-loved local café set alight on Sunday afternoon (January 5).
Emergency crews were called to the blaze at Trisian’s Traditional Family Restaurant, in the Harpurhey shopping centre shortly after 3pm to reports of a fire.
The area was taped off as onlookers watched on, with plumes of thick black smoke seen billowing from the shop front as the fire service responded.
READ MORE: Family woken by loud banging at 6.30am go downstairs to find their home a scene of devastation
READ MORE: LIVE Emergency crews swarm shopping centre as smoke billows from popular café – updates
Plumes of smoke filled the area at the shopping centre -Credit:@sjl_digital
Multiple fire engines raced to the scene and were seen putting out the flames at the rear of the building. It’s cause has not yet been confirmed.
“This café is at the heart of the Shopping Centre so any fires will be very dangerous,” local councillor Pat Karney said on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s one of the most popular cafes in Harpurhey. I’ve been in there a thousand times and everyone locally will hope the staff are safe.”
Once the blaze had been brought under control, the area outside the venue remained taped off. The shop’s frontage appeared to have escaped damage.
The front of the cafe appeared to have escaped damage -Credit:Kenny Brown / Manchester Evening News
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 3:10pm this afternoon (Sunday 05 January) five fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to reports of a fire in a commercial building at Harpurhey Shopping Centre, Manchester.”
“Crews arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the flames. Firefighters are continuing to work to ensure the area is safe and remain in attendance at this time.”