Blaze at cancer research unit

Fire at Christie Hospital site

PATIENTS have been told to attend appointments as normal after a fire in a research building attached to the world-renowned Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.

Firefighters spent most of yesterday tackling the blaze in the first-floor plant room and roof space at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute in Wilmslow Road.

The centre does not house patients but is attached to the main hospital.

The fire was contained last night but firefighters will stay at the site for a further 48 hours.

A small number of treatments have been postponed and some patients have been moved due to the smoke.

Five patients who were prepped and ready for medical procedures were taken to other parts of the site so their treatment could continue.

At the height of the blaze, 16 fire engines were at the scene and two aerial platforms were used.

Sections of Wilmslow Road and Cotton Lane have been closed and the research building, which houses a number of laboratories, was cleared.

The centre is funded by Cancer Research UK, which spends about £22m a year on research in Manchester.

A spokesperson said they were "awaiting further information from the emergency services about the extent of the damage caused by the fire".