Man who died in fire at a retirement block is named

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A man who died in a fire a block of retirement apartments has been named as Brian McConville. The 71-year-old died after the blaze broke out at Apprentice Court in Harpurhey at about 6pm last Wednesday (April 20).

Fire crews rushed to the scene in Caversham Drive, as well as paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service and officers from Greater Manchester Police. It was later confirmed that a man had been pronounced dead at the scene.

Manchester Coroner's Court confirmed it had received a file in relation to Mr McConville's death.

READ MORE: Two people found dead in south Manchester flats named as investigations continue

Five fire engines raced to the scene of the fire, which saw the window of the first floor flat smashed and blackened around its frame. The cause of the flames are not yet known but an investigation remains underway, according to Greater Manchester Police.

It took crews three hours - until around 9pm - to dampen the flames and make the area safe. Forensic officers remained at the scene well into the evening.

The block is made up of various retirement flats and are managed by Northwards Housing, on behalf of Manchester City Council. The residents were all evacuated temporarily but were able to return to their homes by around 9pm.

The Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that they were called to the blaze at about 6pm, with engines from Blackley, Broughton, Gorton, Manchester, and Philips Park stations all attending. Specialist equipment was used to contain the fire within the property and make the scene safe within a number of hours.