A HUGE fire that ripped through a city centre fashion outlet is being probed by cops as arson after the inferno started in a caravan next door.
Emergency services descended on a commercial premises in , Greater , on Wednesday evening.
A huge fire that ripped through a commercial property is being probed as arson by cops Credit: X/CarlEHaslam
The blaze tore through Marc Darcy in Salford, Greater Manchester on Thursday Credit: X/CarlEHaslam
Shocking images showed a Marc Darcy suit on Bury New Road completely engulfed as fire crews battled the blaze.
Flames could be seen pouring from the windows of the building with huge plumes of black smoke billowing into the air.
Cops were called to the scene at 1.50am on Thursday after an alarm was activated at the premises.
They revealed they arrived to fire crews battling a fire at a next to the which quickly spread.
Emergency services raced to the scene in the early hours Credit: X/CarlEHaslam
The inferno devastated the building after a caravan fire spread to the property Credit: X/CarlEHaslam
A section of the building came crashing down Credit: MEN Media
Locals were urged to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed Credit: GMFRS
Greater Manchester (GMP) are now treating the incident as arson and are urging any witnesses to come forward.
The blaze is being treated as a “targeted incident” but cops do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.
They added that “extensive damage” was inflicted on the caravan, the building and some parked nearby.
Detective Inspector Paul Davies from Salford CID said: “This was a huge fire that caused extensive damage to a commercial property and several vehicles. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident.
“We’re treating this as arson and we’re appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have witnessed anything suspicious, to come forward.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage from the evening of Wednesday 5 August or Thursday 6 August that could assist our .”
Video footage shows the shocking moment a section of the burning building comes crashing down.
Fire crews rushed to respond and battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control.
A stretch of Bury New Road was closed as firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night.
Residents living in the area were urged to stay away and keep their windows and doors closed as plumes of smoke poured from the blaze.
Cops said it was a ‘targeted incident’ Credit: MEN Media
The fire engulfed the building with crews battling the flames into the morning Credit: GMFRS
A statement on the Marc Darcy website read: “Important notice. Due to a fire at our premises, we are temporarily unable to accept any new order.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and will reopen ordering as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said at the time: “Firefighters are currently tackling a large fire at a commercial building on Hilton Street in Salford.
“Due to the large amount of smoke in the area, residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area.
“Bury New Road remains closed while crews work to extinguish the fire.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5224, via 101, or through their Live Chat service, quoting incident number 223 of August 6.
Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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