Bolton fire crews called to deal with huge blaze at historic Wythenshawe Hall

More than 50 firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to Wythenshawe Hall, a timber-framed Tudor style museum and art gallery just after 3.30am, when fire broke out in the roof.

On arrival the incident commander called for six fire engines to attend the scene as well as a high-reach aerial appliance – similar to a cherry picker – to allow firefighters to get water into the roof space as quickly and effectively as possible.

The response was then further escalated to 10 fire engines and more than 50 firefighters as the team attempted to bring the blaze under control.

Area Manager Warren Pickstone, from GMFRS, said: “We are doing everything we can to save as much of this building as we can.

“The fire is in the roof and is difficult to access but we have specialist resources at the scene and we are doing our best.

“The fire is in the main black and white traditionally clad Tudor building with the historic clock tower, which was also on fire.

“So far we believe we have lost the roof and the first floor.”

The fire is being treated as suspicious.

Police officers and the fire service have begun a preliminary investigation of the building and are appealing for anyone who may have and information to come forward.

Inspector Luke Breakspear, of GMP’s South Manchester division, said: “The investigation into how this fire began is in it’s infancy, however we are now treating it as suspicious.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have any information or may have seen anyone in the area in the early hours of this morning to come forward.

“This is a devastating fire in a beautiful building and we are determined to get to the bottom of how this could have happened.

“Luckily, no one was injured, but the damage to the building and its contents will have a lasting impact on the community, and those who dedicated their lives to Wythenshawe Hall."

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 4882, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Wythenshawe Hall is a 16th-century medieval timber-framed historic house and former stately home set in 250m acres now known as Wythenshawe Park.

The building is a half-timbered Tudor house and well known as the home of the Tatton family for almost 400 years. It was built in about 1540. It was donated to local people in 1930 and has been a museum and art gallery in recent years.