Mosque tower in danger of collapsing as it's battered by strong winds from Storm Eunice in Oldham

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A minaret at a mosque in Oldham is in danger of collapsing due to gale force winds during Storm Eunice.

Residents have been told to stay indoors, and police have erected a 50 metre cordon around Greengate Jamia Masjid on Greengate Street.

Police officers have knocked on houses near to the mosque and advised people to remain inside.

READ MORE : Trees fall on cars and block roads and train lines as Storm Eunice batters Greater Manchester

Navaid Afzal, secretary of the mosque, told the M.E.N. that it is currently too dangerous for any recovery work to be undertaken.

Mr Afzal said that the top section of the minaret is made of fibreglass and is in a precarious position.

"It is hanging at about 45 degrees right now," he said.

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"It is impossible to get somebody up there in this weather.

"Right now we are waiting for the weather to get better and then assess the damage."

Oldham Council confirmed that the police have imposed a cordon at the scene, and said that residents have been spoken to and told to remain inside.

Mr Afzal said that prayers this evening are instead being held at nearby Greengate Islamic College.

GMP have been approached for further comment.

Storm Eunice has battered Greater Manchester, uprooting trees and causing damage to cars and disruption to roads and railways.

An amber weather warning for strong winds remains in place for Greater Manchester until 9pm.

The Met Office warning states there is a 'good chance' that 'flying debris could result in a danger to life', and that damage to homes and buildings is likely.