Fire breaks out at Manchester Christie cancer research building

A fire has broken out in a research lab attached to the world-renowned Christie cancer hospital.

The blaze, which started around 10.35am, has led to evacuations and road closures around the hospital site on Wilmslow Road in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said five fire engines are at the scene and an aerial platform is being used to help tackle the blaze.

A section of the roof was pictured engulfed in flames. Credit: Manchester Fire
Firefighters tackling the blaze. Credit: Manchester Fire
The damage caused damage to the roof of the building. Credit: Manchester Fire

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

The fire is now understood to be under control but the extent of the damage is not yet known.

Smoke from the fire clouds the sky Credit: @trish_373

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."

The fire is now understood to be under control Credit: Manchester Fire

The University of Manchester said the incident was in the Paterson Building and "everyone has been evacuated safely".

The fire service said anyone expecting to come to the Christie for treatment should still attend.

Credit: Manchester Fire