Fire at Christie hospital cancer research labs

Cancer experts are praising the fire service for saving 25 years of vital research from a serious fire next to the Christie Hospital in Manchester.

The full impact of the damage is still being assessed - but it could take millions of pounds to rebuild the facilities.

Cancer Research UK had feared that many projects, including studies into hard-to-treat cancers might have been lost.

Mel Barham reports.

• Click here to donate to the fund to rebuild the Cancer Research UK Institute

Cancer research stretching back 25 years has been saved after a fire at a building next to the Christie in Manchester.

Staff were originally fearful many samples had been destroyed in the blaze but Professor Richard Marais, Director of Cancer Research UK Institute says a lot of the important samples are safe.

Cancer Research UK has launched a fundraising campaign following the fire at its institute at the Christie hospital in Manchester.

Last year Cancer Research UK spent around £22million on wide-ranging research carried out in the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute including pioneering projects tackling hard-to-treat diseases such as pancreatic and lung cancer.

Click here to donate to the Cancer Research Manchester Institute fundraising campaign.

The charity Cancer Research UK says it spent £22m last year alone at its Paterson Building in Manchester looking for a cure for cancer.

A spokeswoman said they're awaiting further information about the extent of the damage caused by today's fire.

Manchester Fire service said the number of fire engines at the scene has been increased to 12, with two aerial platforms also assisting.

No buildings containing patients were evacuated, although nearby offices were.

The building is owned by the University of Manchester and is used for research carried out there by Cancer Research UK.

A spokesman for the Christie said: "The fire service has informed us that the fire on the roof is believed to be under control.

"They are doing an internal review to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished."

A fire at an office and laboratory block at the Christie in Manchester has led to evacuations and road closures around the hospital site.

People close by have said on social media the location is the Paterson Building, a cancer research centre located next to the hospital.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said five fire engines are at the scene and the building has been evacuated.

Transport for Greater Manchester urged motorists to be aware of the road closures.