20 fire crews tackle large blaze in Bolton

Fire crews are tackling a large blaze in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Images posted on social media show firefighters tackling flames coming out of the windows on the top floors of a building on Bradshawgate.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing students 'crying on their phones' as fire engulfed Bolton University's halls of residence.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said 20 fire engines were at the scene and that the building was being evacuated.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) also said they were at the scene.

GMP Bolton North posted on Facebook: "We are currently dealing with an incident on Bradshawgate and have a number of road closures in place.

"Please avoid the area until further notice."

Ace Love, a witness, said: "The fire kept getting more intense, climbing up and to the right because the wind was blowing so hard.

"We could see it bubbling from the outside and then being engulfed from the outside.

"A lot of students got out very fast, someone was very distressed, the rest were on phones calling for help.

"The fire got worse and worse, to the point where you could see through the beams, it was just bare frame."

Incumbent Labour candidate for Bolton South East, Yasmin Qureshi, warned people to stay away from the area and said she would be in contact with the emergency services.

She said on Twitter: "There is an ongoing incident in #Bolton town centre and the emergency services are asking people to stay away from the area for the time being. I will be liaising with the police and fire services to stay informed of developments."