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Disused factory left gutted

25/ 5/2007

A FIERCE fire that gutted a former plastics factory in Blackley is thought to have been started deliberately.

An arson investigation has been ordered after flames ripped through the former Crumpsall Plastics and Engineering building on French Barn Lane near to Oakworth Street - leaving it close to collapse.

More than 20 firefighters from Blackey fire station spent several hours tackling the blaze in the large single storey industrial unit at around 4.30am on the 23 May as the flames spread to the roof.

The building is understood to have been empty and there are no reported injuries.

But French Barn Lane was closed between its junctions with Plant Hill Road and Oakworth Street by police.

Resident Rachel Heyes, who lives close to the former plastics factory, said: "I was awoken by the fire making crackling noises similar to fireworks at around 4.30am and called the fire brigade but it was already well established. The fire brigade arrived shortly afterwards and began to tackle the blaze."

It is understood that the former factory was derelict and earmarked for demolition.

CLICK on the link below to see Rachel's video of the fire at its height ...