Police have launched an arson investigation following the devastating fire at Clarendon Leisure Centre

A fire that devastated a leisure center is treated as deliberate. Greater Manchester Police have launched an arson investigation following the fire at the Clarendon Leisure Centre, in Salford, this morning (May 10).

Eight fire engines tackled the blaze at its peak, which caused “significant damage” to the site. Officers are now searching for those responsible for the devastating blaze, which forced the Liverpool Street leisure center to remain closed. Follow live updates from the scene here.

A GMP spokesman said: “We are investigating a fire which occurred at a leisure center on Liverpool Street in Salford. We were called to reports of a fire at 3:05 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024.

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“Officers attended along with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and a scene remains in place while officers carry out their enquiries. No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made at this time, but investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

Salfordians have spoken of their “heartbreak” about the fire. Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, said Manchester Evening News: “Everyone here at Salford City Council and our colleagues at Salford Community Leisure are extremely saddened to see the reports of the major fire at Clarendon Leisure Centre.

“The incident happened overnight and caused significant damage to the building. Emergency services were called and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and police remain at the scene dealing with the incident.

“The center will remain closed and our teams are working with the emergency services while an investigation into the incident continues. Members should not attempt to visit the center at this time.

“This is very sad news for everyone who uses the centre, a place that is so well regarded and has provided sporting and leisure opportunities for generations of local people.” A woman who lives near the facility told the men she “felt like crying” because of the fire.

“It’s part of our community,” she said. “It’s been there for years. My oldest is 45 and learned to swim there.” Huge flames billowed over the site in the early hours of the morning, waking residents around Salford.

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP has pledged to support efforts to replace the facility. She posted on X: “Incredibly sad news about Clarendon Leisure Centre, which suffered a major fire last night.

“Thank you to @manchesterfire for getting the fire under control. I will support the Council in any way I can to ensure that this vital community facility can be replaced.”

The leisure center has undergone renovations this year, including an expanded gym. Firefighters called off their operation just after 9am today, having first been called to the scene at 2.45am.

A fire service spokesman said: “Four fire engines remained at the scene of a fire at a leisure center in Liverpool Street, Salford this morning. May 10).

“At the height of the incident eight fire engines from across the city-region were called to the scene, along with specialist apparatus, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and jets to bring the fire under control and prevent further expansion. Road closures. remains in place around the incident this morning as firefighters mitigate any remaining hot spots and work with emergency service partners and local authorities to keep the scene safe.

“We expect to remain on site throughout the day. We ask local residents and members of the public to continue to avoid the area while crews work.”