A "major fire" involving a tumble drier has forced a much-loved pub in Bromley Cross to close "until further notice".

The broke broke out at around 3pm today, Friday, at The Railway on Chapeltown Road.

The "heartbroken" landlord at the pub, Mike Hales, said in a statement on social media: "It’s with great sadness that we will be closed due to a major fire today at The Railway.

"Unfortunately, the smoke damage and water damage has destroyed the pub upstairs and we are unsure of the severity of the damage downstairs.

"We will therefore be closed until further notice until our insurance assessors come in the new year.

"Heartbroken."

No-one was reported to have been hurt following the incident.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At 3.08pm on Friday, three fire engines from Bolton and Bolton North fire stations attended a fire at a commercial property on Chapeltown Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton.

“Firefighters used two breathing apparatus, one hose reel and a positive pressure ventilation unit to extinguish the fire.

"Crews were in attendance for approximately one hour.”

Watch manager Alex McClurg of Bolton North fire station added: "It was a tumble drier on the first floor.

"Two fire fighters went in with a hose.

"Everyone had got out of the building safely prior to our arrival."

The pub was all set for a free New Year's Eve event on Saturday, which of course, has now had to be cancelled. 

Food was due to be served until 9pm and the pub was scheduled to be open until 1am.

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