Lime Tree Restaurant: Fire breaks out at restaurant

Fire crews were called to Bolton Road, Farnworth, where a fire had broken out in the Lime Tree Restaurant.

They were on the scene throughout the day, with road closures in place.

The blaze broke in the afternoon with five fire engines mobilised including specialist units. 

Bolton Road was closed off throughout the afternoon between its junction near St Peter's Way and Gladstone Road. 

The fire response. Picture: Josh Catchatoor (Image: Josh Catchatoor)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 12.40pm on Monday November 27, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a commercial building on Bolton Road, Farnworth.

“Five fire engines from Bolton Central, Bolton North, Farnworth, Salford and Eccles stations, as well as the turntable ladder from Bolton Central and the drone unit, were quickly mobilised to the incident.

Read more: UPDATES: Emergency services at the scene of large fire at restaurant

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using three hose reels and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire, which broke out in the roof of the property.

A firefighter tackling the blaze. Picture: Josh Catchatoor (Image: Josh Catchatoor)

“GMFRS crews remain at the scene.” 

As the afternoon progressed, the fire spread from the restaurant towards the roof of an adjoining house. 

One firefighter could be seen standing in the skylight of the house. 

At least eight fire engines could be seen on scene. 

The scene today (Image: Newsquest)

One witness said: “I rang it in at 12.45pm. I was walking to the shop and saw smoke pouring out of the roof.

“It was already pouring out when I walked past.

“A man was downstairs in the restaurant, I was banging on the window for him to get out.

@theboltonnews Firefighters were on scene in Moses Gate, where a restaurant set alight. Full story on The Bolton News website. #Bolton #Farnworth #MosesGate #Fire ♬ original sound - The Bolton News

“As soon as the fire service came they got everyone in the next houses out.”

Another witness said: "I could see fire coming out, and they had a spike on a crane poking through the roof." 

By around 3.30pm, the fire appeared to have been brought under control, with a lot of tiles having been removed from the roof of the restaurant. 

The scene (Image: Newsquest)

There was also a sizable hole in the roof.

A police officer on scene confirmed they were there to support the fire service, and paramedics were also present.

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown.