A fire has destroyed the roof of a historic Tudor hall in Manchester.
The blaze, which started at around 3.30 on Tuesday morning, engulfed the roof and first floor of Wythenshawe Hall, a timber-framed house which dates back to the 16th century.
No one is thought to have been inside the building at the time.
More than 50 personnel from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) attended to the blaze.
“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,” said Warren Pickstone, the GMFRS area manager.
“The fire is in the main black and white traditionally clad Tudor building with the historic clock tower, which is also on fire.”
“So far we believe we have lost the roof and the first floor,” said Mr Pickstone.
An investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out, according to GMFRS.
After being donated to the local people in 1930, Wythenshawe Hall has served as a museum and art gallery in recent years.
By 8:30am the team of 50 had been downsized to just five, with the remaining firefighters tasked with damping down the fire.
