Fire destroys roof of historic Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester Published duration 15 March 2016

media caption Smoke could be seen rising over the historic property

Fire has badly damaged a 16th Century hall in Manchester destroying the roof and causing extensive damage to an upper floor.

The blaze started in the roof of Wythenshawe Hall at about 03:30 GMT, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said.

More than 50 firefighters tackled the "serious blaze" at the Tudor hall.

Five fire engines are still at the scene as an investigation is under way into the cause.

The timber-framed hall was built in 1540 and was home to the Tatton family for about 400 years.

image copyright Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service image caption Firefighters tackling the blaze on Tuesday morning

Warren Pickstone, from GMFRS, said: "We are doing everything we can to save as much of this building as we can.

"The fire is in the roof and is difficult to access but we have specialist resources at the scene and we are doing our best."

He said the historic clock tower was also on fire, adding: "So far we believe we have lost the roof and the first floor."

The hall was donated to local people in 1926 and was previously run as a museum and art gallery.

image copyright Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service image caption Firefighters hosed down the roof of the hall

History of Wythenshawe Hall

image copyright David Dixon/Geograph

Wythenshawe Hall was built around 1540 by Robert Tatton of Chester

The timber-built hall is now owned by Manchester City Council

The hall and the surrounding 250 acres of park land were given to the city by Lord and Lady Simon in 1926

It was an art gallery and museum until its closure in 2010

The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall volunteer group was established in 2012 and the building is now open to visitors again

It is a Grade II listed building

image copyright @Manchesterfire image caption An aerial photograph shows the extent of the damage to the Tudor-era hall

image caption The roof and the first floor of Wythenshawe Hall have been badly damaged in the blaze