Clarendon fire: Huge blaze destroys leisure centre burning building to the ground

The fire at Clarendon Leisure Centre in the early hours (Image: submitted)

Firefighters are currently battling a massive inferno at Clarendon Leisure Centre in Salford, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on the scene. Flames began to ravage the building on Liverpool Street at around 2.45am today.

The thoroughfare has been closed in both directions since this morning (May 10), with images emerging of towering smoke and fire dominating the early hours skyline.

In an urgent statement, GMFRS said: "At around 2.45am today (Friday, May 10) eight fire engines from across Greater Manchester plus the command support unit from Hyde fire station, the prime mover from Bolton fire station, and the technical response from Leigh were called to a fire involving a leisure centre off Liverpool Street, Salford," a spokesperson confirmed.

Brave firefighters donned breathing apparatus and swiftly tackled the blaze using hose reels and jets. The crews are still on site, working in concert with officers from Greater Manchester Police and representatives from Salford City Council, while road closures remain enforced.

GMFRS took to Twitter to advise: "Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving a leisure centre off Liverpool Street in Salford. Residents nearby should keep windows and doors closed and people are asked to avoid the area while crews deal with the incident."

The smouldering site is now just charred remains, much to the sadness of the community (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Travel service Inrix has issued an alert stating: "Liverpool Street in both directions closed due to building fire at Clarendon Leisure Centre from Fitzwarren Street to A5063 Albion Way", reports the Manchester Evening News.

While the blaze has been extinguished, the community has been saddened to learn of the destruction of its leisure centre, with many saying it was "well used."

The cause of the fire is not yet known.