Firefighters remain at the Cube building on Bradshawgate today as the 'complex' investigation into Friday night's blaze begins.

Crews were seen using aerial appliances to look closely at the building's cladding.

In 2017, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service inspected the building and found that the cladding was not the same as that at Grenfell Tower.

The fire at The Cube. Video by Joe Savage.

Operators of the Cube, Valeo Urban Student Life (ASL) have released a new statement saying they are working with authorities to "understand the cause and extent of the fire."

Today residents who live in flats in the nearby The Arches have been told they can enter their homes again for the first time since the fire ripped through student accommodation on Friday night.

Some 220 students who lived in the Cube are still being supported in temporary accommodation.

A statement on ASL's website said: "The Fire Service are responsible for deciding if and when access will be given and Valeo USL await their recommendations.

"Valeo USL have and will continue to work with the University of Bolton and thank them for their support during this difficult time.

"Students will continue to be provided with alternative accommodation and if they require any assistance during this time they are encouraged to visit the team at; Social Learning Zone (SLZ), Block 10, Chancellors Mall, Deane Rd, Bolton, BL3 5AB – the Valeo USL team will be available all week for support and guidance.

"Valeo USL would like to extend its thanks to all authorities, agencies and partners for their support over the weekend – we are very grateful."

Fire bosses say an investigation into the fire will be "complex".

An update on the GMFRS website read: "GMFRS inspected the building in 2017 following the fire at Grenfell Tower.

"It was established that the building did not have ACM cladding.

"There are two buildings in The Cube, Phase One is classified as a high rise building and Phase Two (the building involved in the fire) is recorded as being under 18 metres and therefore not classified as a high rise building.

"As The Cube is student accommodation, it is fitted with a fire alarm system and operates a simultaneous evacuation strategy.

"GMFRS subsequently requested the fire risk assessment be reviewed and the materials used in the external wall system identified and assessed.

"This assessment was shared with GMFRS and in 2018, subsequent work was undertaken to both buildings by the building owners.

"Following the fire our investigation will consider the materials used within the external wall construction and what if any role these materials played in the development and spread of fire.

"This investigation will be complex and take some time."