A blaze which broke out at a Bolton restaurant is under investigation, a fire service spokesman said.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) firefighters were called to the Lime Tree Restaurant on Bolton Road, Moses Gate, at around 12.40pm yesterday.
Officers fought the fire, which started in the roof of the restaurant, throughout the afternoon, with it having been extinguished by 7pm.
At least eight fire engines were on scene at its peak, with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and North West Ambulance Service also present.
Now, GMFRS' fire investigation team are looking into the fire. A GMFRS spokesperson confirmed that "fire investigation and searches are taking place this morning."
This morning a fire engine and police were still parked outside the restaurant.
A cordon was in place, with police tape covering the front wall of the restaurant.
A police officer on scene said they were "just making sure people can't get in" and were present in a safety capacity.
A resident on the row of houses adjoining the restaurant said: "I don't think anyone realised it was happening until they came and knocked on the door.
"I came home around 6pm and there were still a few fire engines around, packing up, and there were police here.
"I was really shocked."
Another nearby resident said: "I've never seen that much smoke in my life."
An owner of a local shop said: "We were upstairs but heard about the fire around 12.30pm.
"It was on fire when I came outside, firefighters were here and all the road was closed off.
"It was one of those scary things, I have never seen a fire in person like that. It was a bit strange."
The shop had to shut yesterday due to being within the cordon.
Speaking yesterday, a GMFRS spokesperson said: “At around 12.40pm on Monday 27 November, 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.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reels and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire, which broke out in the roof of the property.
“GMFRS crews remain at the scene.”
GMP have been contacted for an update on this incident.
More to follow.
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