A BURY firefighter has died while tackling a large fire in Manchester city centre.

Stephen Hunt, who was based at Philips Park Fire Station, Manchester, but who lived in Bury, was part of the team fighting a blaze in Paul's Hair World in Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter last night.

He was said to have got into difficulty inside the building at about 8.35pm, and was pulled out by his colleagues and treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital, where he died.

Another firefighter, who got into trouble at the same time, is still in hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A fire service spokesman said the blaze was "a particularly difficult incident" because of the complex layout of the building and the amount of materials inside.

County fire officer Steve McGuirk said: "We are devastated by the loss of one of our colleagues who has died in the line of duty.

"We never expect to lose a colleague in this way and it brings home the dangers that our firefighters put themselves in every day to keep the community safe.

"Stephen had been a dedicated firefighter since 2008 and we are all in a state of shock.

"It is a very sad day for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and all our thoughts are with Stephen's family and friends.

"Details of exactly what happened are unclear at this stage but will be investigated thoroughly and independently."

Mr Hunt's family has also paid tribute to him.

An investigation into the incident will now be launched by neighbouring fire services, and police are also investigating the cause of the blaze. Arson has not been ruled out.

Firefighters are still tackling the blaze and are expected to be there throughout the day.

Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and bailed until September.