An investigation is underway after a fire broke out at a derelict pub in Stretford on Monday evening. Fire crews raced to the scene at The Robin Hood pub on Barton Road just before 10pm on Monday night (June 15). Smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the venue, which has been empty since 2018, as firefighters tackled the blaze.
An 'avoid the area' warning was put in place amid the incident. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has now confirmed that the fire investigation team has been called to the scene today (Tuesday). Crews will work to determine the cause of the blaze if the building is safe enough, a spokesperson for the force said.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said officers were called to the scene to assist firefighters with road closures. It was revealed earlier this year that the vandal-hit pub was earmarked to potentially be developed into new homes. It followed years of being wracked by vandalism and also suffering another fire.
After the pub closed, the local community had a chance to purchase it and come up with proposals for its future. However, a crowdfunding campaign failed to raise the cash needed. On Monday night, a number of fire engines were seen outside the pub as the area became covered in smoke.
In a statement issued last night, a GMFRS spokesperson said: 'Shortly before 9.55pm on Monday 15 June, four fire engines from Stretford, Sale and Moss Side stations, the turntable ladder from Manchester Central station, the scorpion from Salford station and a further breathing apparatus emergency appliance from Salford station were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Barton Road, Stretford.'
'Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and other specialist equipment to tackle the blaze and make the area safe. Crews stayed at the scene overnight alongside Greater Manchester Police to tackle the remaining hotpots and maintain a cordon of the area. Crews remain in attendance at this time.'
