Fire at Harbord Harbord pub in Middleton

The Harbord Harbord Pub in Middleton has been damaged as a result of a fire.

Fire fighters were called to Long Street, Middleton at approximately 11:30am on Friday 18 April to reports of a fire. Crews from Rochdale, Heywood, Chadderton and Blackley attended the scene.

It is understood that the fire began in the entrance way of the pub and may have be down to an electrical fault.

The pub, which is part of the Weatherspoons chain, was open at the time of the incident with staff and members of the public having to be evacuated from the building.

No injuries were reported at the time of the incident.

Fire fighters managed to control the fire and stop it causing further damage to the building.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “The fire was limited to the entrance and caused damage to 25 square metres including timber shutters. There were no injuries or casualties as a result of the fire.”

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said: "We can confirm that a fire occurred at The Harbord Harbord pub in Middleton on Good Friday at
around 11.30am, when signage on the outside of the premises began to emit smoke.

"The fire brigade was called and the pub was evacuated. There were no injuries to staff or customers.

"The fire brigade reported that a problem with electrical wiring may have been the cause, although this has not been confirmed. The problem was dealt with, made safe and the pub re-opened for business at 5.00pm.

"Repair work is currently being carried out and the pub is trading as usual."