Locals speak of their horror as three children fight for their lives in hospital after blaze at derelict pub

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Those living near a derelict Stockpor t pub where three children were pulled from a horror fire have spoken of their shock and upset as they fight for their lives.

The children, believed to be aged between 12 and 13, are in a critical condition in hospital after the blaze at the former Woodman Inn in Hazel Grove last night, Tuesday, July 26.

Firefighters raced to the scene on the A6 London Road after the alarm was raised at around 8:30pm. One witness today said a group of people could be seen desperately trying to get through a metal door at the front of the building before fire crews arrived, as smoke billowed from the roof.

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Passing motorists also reported seeing flames lapping up out of the roof during the blaze, which is said to have taken hold on the first floor.

The three children were treated at the scene by firefighters after being rescued, before being rushed to hospital. Neither their ages nor their gender have been disclosed though the Manchester Evening News understands they are between 12 and 13 years-old.

Forensic crime scene investigators in white suits have spent the day combing the scene for clues about the blaze, which they say they believe may have been started deliberately. A forensic tent has also been erected at the back of the former pub, with a cordon remaining in place this evening.

Lorraine Birtwhistle, 80, runs the Overnight Stays on B+B on Mount Pleasant just behind the old pub. She was landlady at The Woodman from 1985 to 1997 and said she was deeply saddened by the incident.

"It's very sad for me" she said. "My plumber, who is a also a good friend of mine, his wife