Partygoers had to be evacuated from a bar moments after midnight this morning after a fire broke out during New Year's celebrations.
Firefighters rushed to One Eight Six bar in Manchester city centre shortly after 12pm.
Two people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Fire crews, police and paramedics were called to the scene as the bar was evacuated and a cordon was put in place.
Three men were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, the fire service said, and two of them were taken to hospital.
An investigation into the blaze, which is understood to have broken out just minutes after customers celebrated the new year, is ongoing.
City centre councillor Pat Karney said: "There was a fire in this venue just after midnight. There was a full evacuation with minor injuries."
Mr Karney promised a full investigation into the fire.
The extent of the damage caused inside the below street-level bar is not yet known.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shortly after midnight on January 1, 2022, we received reports of a fire in the basement of a four-storey commercial building on Deansgate.
“Four fire engines from Moss Side, Gorton, Broughton and Manchester Central fire stations quickly attended the incident.
"Ventilation is currently in progress following the evacuation of approximately 170 people.
“Three men have been treated for smoke inhalation by North West Ambulance Service, two of which have been taken to hospital.
“Crews are looking into the cause of the fire and remain at the scene.”
