Firefighters tackle large fire at Clarendon Leisure Centre in Salford

The fire broke out just before 3am on Friday 10 May. Credit: Pictures from @Pixels_Neen on X/MEN Media

A leisure centre in Salford has been destroyed after a fire broke out in the early hours of Friday morning.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said crews were called to the scene at around 2:45am on 10 May.

Video from @pixels_neen on X

Images from the fire show huge plumes of smoke and flames from the early hours.

There were no casualties. The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed.

The leisure centre was destroyed in the fire. Credit: MEN Media

A GMFRS spokesperson said. "At around 2.45am eight fire engines from across Greater Manchester plus the command support unit from Hyde fire station, the prime mover from Bolton fire station, and the technical response from Leigh were called to a fire involving a leisure centre off Liverpool Street, Salford.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked quickly to get the blaze under control using hose reels and jets."

Clarendon Leisure Centre has been subject to refurbishment work this year which involves extending and redecorating the gym, introducing new cardio equipment, replacing the boilers and resurfacing the car parkAccording to Salford Community Leisure, the gym and sports hall have been closed for refurbishment and are due to reopen this spring. The swimming pool reopened last month.Councillor John Warmisham, who represents Pendleton and Charlestown ward, said news of the fire was 'very upsetting'.The Labour councillor said: "For some people in the ward it's a real asset. You look at the health figures in the ward, it's not the healthiest place.

"Clarendon rec is so good for people's wellbeing and to help with health matters. The swimming pool in particular was used by a lot of local schools."We were supposed to be getting a brand new leisure centre, but because of the cost of living we had to put it on hold."With what's happened we might have to revisit that. It's an area that can't do without a leisure centre."

Detective Sergeant Karl Perry, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “Incidents such as the one we saw on Friday morning can be both upsetting and shocking – but I want local people to know that we are utilising all lines of enquiry as we look to discover what triggered this awful fire.

“Thankfully, no-one was hurt, but I appreciate that many people will be upset at the loss of this community asset. I am hoping for anyone with relevant doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV to get in touch with any appropriate material to aid our work.

“If you do have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact us on 101 or via gmp.police.uk, quoting log 318 of 10 May 2024. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

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