A huge fire that ripped through a storage warehouse in Stockport is now being treated as having been started deliberately. It comes as bosses at the facility reveal there has been 'significant destruction of the building and most contents.' The fire broke out at the Armadillo Self Storage Unit on Earl Road in Cheadle at around 1 am in the early hours of this morning (Saturday). READ MORE: Two rushed to hospital and road closed after horrific car smash involving Greggs lorry Crews were greeted by a 'significant' and 'well established' fire and its height around 20 fire engines and 130 firefighters were involved in the operation to tackle the flames, which sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing over Cheadle and Handforth.
Two major roads, the A555 Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road and A34 Handforth Bypass were both closed as a result. They have since re-opened but Stanley Road, Wilmslow Road, and Earl Road remain closed.
The response was scaled back later this morning, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) saying the fire has now been brought under control.
However, around 10 fire engines remain in attendance, and crews are expected to remain the scene for several hours yet. A joint police and fire service investigation into the blaze is now underway.
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