House fire 'involving e-scooter' was 'one of the worst seen in years' fire service say

A man in his seventies has died and another has been left seriously burned in a devastating house fire - which is "believed to have involved an e-scooter".

The blaze broke out at the home on Ellesmere Road South, in Chorlton, South Manchester, in the early hours of 2 August.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it received multiple 999 calls just after 3am as smoke began billowing from the semi-detached house.

Crews were were met by "a significant, well-developed fire that had spread through the ground and first floors of the house".

One firefighter described the blaze as "one of the worst house fires I've seen in years".

The body of a man in his 70s was sadly discovered inside the house, while a man in his 30s managed to rescue himself from the property before fire crews arrived, and was later taken for treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, the service confirmed, with forensic officers seen working at the scene later on Friday.

Fire chiefs they are not yet able to determine the exact cause, but a statement from GMFRS said it is 'believed to have involved an e-scooter.'

Greater Manchester Police say there not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Ben Levy, GMFRS Area Manager, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has very sadly died during this devastating incident.

Crews remain in attendance on Ellesmere Road South and are there for anyone in the community affected by the fire and to provide reassurance."I would like to commend the firefighters who did all they could in very difficult conditions in an attempt to save lives and stop the fire spreading further.

"They worked tirelessly to minimise the impact of this fire for surrounding residents. At this stage we cannot confirm the exact cause of the fire.”