Fire destroys historic 19th century church in Salford
Flames ravaged the roof of the Church of the Ascension in Salford, which was built in 1869 and still used as a place of worship.
Monday 13 February 2017 17:13, UK
A 19th century Grade II-listed church has been destroyed by fire in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Firefighters were called to the Church of the Ascension in Ascension Road, Lower Broughton, shortly before midnight on Sunday.
Six fire crews battled the flames as they destroyed the roof of the church, which was built in 1869, bringing the blaze under control in the early hours of Monday.
No one was injured in the fire, but Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service asked nearby residents to keep doors and windows shut as large plumes of smoke billowed from the building.
Police were also at the scene and investigators are working to determine the cause.
Eye witness Liam Cole said he rushed to the church after seeing flames from his nearby home.
He said: "Initially it wasn't that bad but all of a sudden it was engulfed in flames and the roof started falling through.
"There was a lot of ash and smoke from the roof going on the people standing very close."