Eyewitnesses have described the moment flames ‘climbed up cladding like it was nothing’ as crews tackle a massive fire in Bolton.

One eyewitness described the fire as “crawl[ing] up the cladding like it was nothing”.

The fire broke out just before 9pm on Friday in Bradshawgate and up to 25 crews were dispatched to the scene. 

Ace Love, 35, told the PA news agency: “The fire kept getting more intense, climbing up and to the right because the wind was blowing so hard.

“We could see it bubbling from the outside and then being engulfed from the outside.

“A lot of students got out very fast, someone was very distressed, the rest were on phones calling for help.

“The fire got worse and worse, to the point where you could see through the beams, it was just bare frame.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: "At 20.29 on November 15, 2019, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire at a 6-storey building on Bradshawgate, Bolton. 

"There are 25 fire engines and two arial appliances currently at the scene and firefighters are tackling the blaze using multiple jets. 

"Local residents are being asked to keep their windows and doors shut and avoid the area where possible."