FIRE crews based in Bolton and Bury worked through the night to bring a huge fire under control.

The blaze broke out at the former Castle Irwell student accommodation in Cromwell Road, Salford, at just before 8.30pm yesterday and ten crews from across Greater Manchester were sent to the scene.

Firefighters based in Whitefield and Atherton were among them, and a crew from Bolton fire station in Moor Lane went as it has a specialist fire engine, which can spray high volumes of water in one go.

At its height, more than 50 firefighters were on the scene of the two-storey building known locally as The Pav because of its historic status as the racecourse grandstand years ago.

Neighbours called 999 after spotting smoke coming from a second floor window.

Just moments later, smoke plumed across Salford and could be seen from across the city as firefighters raced to the scene.

A Fire Service spokesman said: "The building was well alight with seats of fire throughout the two-storey premises.

"A total of 10 fire engines were at the scene at the height of the fire, with more than 50 firefighters tackling the blaze.

"The team on site overnight has included specialist technical rescue firefighters and crew operating a hydraulic platform vehicle – similar to a ‘cherry picker’ – which enabled us to jet water into the building from above the roof.

"Crew have continued to battle throughout the night to get the fire surrounded.

"This morning crew report making steady progress and have scaled the incident down to three fire engines, with firefighters using a number of handheld jets only.

"It is not believed that anyone was inside the building or that anyone has been injured from the fire.

"The cause is not yet known but we will be working with Greater Manchester Police this morning to investigate."