Glass door smashed at takeaway after fire breaks out

Emergency services were called to Eddy’s Chicken And Pizza, on Ormskirk Road, Newtown, when someone from a neighbouring business noticed smoke.

Crews from nearby Wigan fire station arrived at around 5.30pm on Thursday to deal with the incident.

They noticed an electricity consumer unit was sparking, but could not get inside as the takeaway was closed.

Jim Clitheroe, watch manager at Wigan fire station, said: “It had filled the takeaway with smoke. As the front door was closed, we had to force entry through the front door and extinguish the fire using dry powder extinguisher.

“We noticed that the curtains were closed upstairs so we thought there might be someone in. Following a comprehensive search by the fire service, we noticed there was no-one in the building.”

Three fire engines and two police cars were seen outside the takeaway and rush-hour traffic on Ormskirk Road came to a standstill.

The building was damaged by smoke but firefighters managed to stop the flames spreading.

Electrical staff also attended to look at the consumer unit.

Mr Clitheroe said: “The investigation is ongoing to identify the cause. We left it with the electricity board so they could isolate it, but that did seem to be the problem.”