A man has been arrested after a fire broke out inside a flat above a shop in Chorlton. Greater Manchester Police confirmed he was held on suspicion of arson.
No age for him has been released. It is understood the man remained in police custody on Monday morning.
Emergency response on Barlow Moor Road
A police cordon was put in place on Sunday night after the incident on Barlow Moor Road. Photos and videos from the scene show leaping flames coming from the second-floor window above BBM Bargains on the busy road, one of a row of businesses.
The fire is believed to have started at around 8.30pm. There were multiple fire engines and police cars at the scene as officers trained their hoses on the building.
Eyewitness describes window explosion
A road closure was in place from the end of the row of shops up to the junction with Hardy Lane and Mauldeth Road West. An eyewitness reported seeing smoke pouring out from a window at around 8.20pm.
"After two minutes, the window exploded," they said.
Fire service statement
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Just before 8.30pm on Sunday 11th October, four fire engines from Sale, Withington and Salford Central were called to reports of a fire involving a flat on Barlow Moor Road, Manchester.
"Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire."
A spokesperson for GMP said the man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. It is not known whether there were any injuries.
