DRAMATIC VIDEO: Arson probe after blaze at social club (From The Bolton News)

DRAMATIC VIDEO: Arson probe after blaze at social club

8:02am Thursday 13th March 2008 in

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A SOCIAL club plagued by arsonists and vandals was burned to the ground last night.

At the height of the blaze 30 firefighters were tackling the raging flames at the derelict Breightmet Labour Club in Milnthorpe Road.

Witnesses could not believe their eyes as flames engulfed the club at 8.45pm.

The fire service received 16 calls to say the building was well alight, including a call from someone on top of a hill.

Firefighters had to pump water from Red Bridge to extinguish the blaze.

Since the building closed 12 months ago firefighters have been called to the site 15 times to deal with nuisance fires.

The cause of the blaze will not be confirmed until an investigation has been carried out but arson has not been ruled out.

It is believed that the building was empty but homeless people have been known to sleep there.

Police closed Milnthorpe Road at the junction with Bury Road and a cordon was set up around the club.

Residents in nearby homes were not evacuated.

Anthony Dyer, aged 47, from Deepdale Road, Breightmet, said: "I'm really shocked by this.

"I had just come out and was going to do some shopping when I saw the building alight and then fire engines started to arrive.

"The flames were so ferocious, it's really frightening."

Susan Entwistle, aged 47, from Withins Drive, Breightmet, said: "I just cannot believe it.

"I have spent so many good nights in that club, including my wedding reception and 40th birthday, so it is very sad to see it go in this way.

"There have been a number of occasions recently when kids have been breaking in and starting fires, but this just shows you how dangerous that is."

Catherine Brennen, aged 50, of Crossdale Road, said: "I could see it from our bedroom window.

"It was unbelievable and I wondered what was going on so I came down to look.

"I used to drink there years ago and it is just so sad to see it go.

"Just last week there was a car set on fire and there have been other incidents of vandalism, but they have really done it this time."

Graham Brennan, group commander for the Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "Given that the building has been empty for a while and because of the time the fire happened, we would not rule out arson.

"There will be an investigation to establish the cause."