EMERGENCY services remain on the scene of a major fire which broke out at the Cube student apartment last night.

Fire crews were called to the six-storey building in Bradshawgate, close to the town centre, at around 8.30pm on Friday November 15.

Operations to damp down the fire ravaged building are on going and Bradshawgate remains closed this morning.

At the scene, the building's cladding can be seen hanging precariously and there are large piles of fire damaged debris to the rear of the apartment block.

At its height, around 200 firefighters were tackling the blaze, with 40 fire engines, three aerial platforms and other specialist appliances being used.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tony Hunter said: “Our crews have done a fantastic job bringing this fire under control, in what have been very challenging circumstances.

"I want to praise their swift action, which has prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.

“I’m pleased the say that we are now scaling back our response, and we will remain at the scene for the next few hours as we tackle the remaining pockets of fire.

“Our priority now, is ensuring that all residents of The Cube register at Orlando Village on Thynne Street, Bolton so we know they are safe and well.”

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “Supporting the welfare of our students is our number one priority and we have moved swiftly to assist in any way we can.

“University colleagues have worked through the night to make sure support is in place for students over the weekend.

“We have assisted in ensuring students have been given temporary alternative accommodation at the Orlando student halls and in some Bolton hotels.

“We have also arranged to provide necessities such as toiletries for all students affected and are opening the University over the weekend so students can be supported. We will also provide food for them.

“I would like to stress that The Cube is not owned by the University of Bolton. It is owned and managed by a private landlord and the students were not on our premises when during this incident.”