Gang smash into deserted shut-down cinema in late-night raid

An investigation has been launched after a gang of men raided a disused cinema in Gorton.

Police were called to the former Showcase Cinema on Hyde Road on Saturday night (February 27) to reports of a break in.

Eye witnesses reported spotting a group of ten men breaking into the building, before they began smashing windows.

GMP received a call to say that a fire had been started inside the property but officers found no evidence of this when they arrived.

Fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire Service were called to the scene as a precaution, but were quickly stood down.

Eye witnesses reported spotting a group of ten men breaking into the building, before they began smashing windows (Manchester Evening News)

Detectives have now began their enquiries into offences of criminal damage.

Built on part of the former Belle Vue entertainment complex, the former 14-screen cinema opened in October 1989.

It closed along with all other cinemas in the country when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March.

Now the site has been closed for good and is due to be demolished to make way for a brand new secondary school.

A spokesperson for GMP said: "Officers were called at around 9.45pm on Saturday 27 February 2021, to reports of breaking and entering, and arson at a cinema on Hyde Road, Gorton.

"Witnesses reported seeing 10 men breaking into the property, before smashing windows and starting a fire inside the building.

Detectives have now began their enquiries into offences of criminal damage (Manchester Evening News)

"Emergency services attended however, fire crews confirmed there was no evidence of a fire.

"The building was secured and an investigation into the criminal damage has been launched."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 9.45pm on Saturday 27 February four fire engines from Gorton, Phillips Park and Salford stations were called to a commercial building on Hyde Road in Gorton.

"Firefighters arrived quickly at the scene and carried out a full search of the premises before handing over to colleagues from Greater Manchester Police. Crews were in attendance for about 45 minutes."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4024 quoting incident number 3269 of 27/02/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.