Cafe owner burnt but "very lucky" after explosion and fire

The remains of the Emerald Cafe, Harpurhey following the explosion Credit: Jahmal Williams-Thomas, ITV Granada

A cafe owner has been treated for burns after an explosion and chip pan fire which blew out windows in Manchester.

Firefighters spent more than six hours at the blaze in the mid-terrace Emerald Cafe on Rochdale Road, Harpurhey on Saturday.

Experts say the fire quickly grew out of hand but it is not yet known what caused the explosion which blew out the front windows and devastated the rest of the unit.

Rochdale Road was shut for some time between Prescott Road and Factory Lane whilst the fire was bought under control.

Fire investigation officers will carry out their own analysis over the coming days.