A historic former silk and cotton mill in Middleton, Lodge Mill, was engulfed in a massive blaze on Sunday, March 29, shortly before 6am.

Local residents reported hearing a series of "loud bangs" and "explosions" as the fire erupted.

The scale of the inferno was captured in shocking footage, showing flames aggressively lapping out through the windows and rising well above the height of the building, sending thick smoke billowing across the area.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with half a dozen fire engines rushing to the scene on Townley Street around 5:50am.

Dozens of firefighters immediately began tackling the fire, including utilizing an aerial platform to douse the structure with water from above.

Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have remained in attendance for over nine and a half hours, working tirelessly with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to contain the blaze, maintain site safety, and dampen down hot spots.

The mill was still visibly smouldering hours later.

In response to the incident, a number of neighbouring roads, including parts of Old Hall Street and Market Place, were closed to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations.

Local residents have been strongly advised by GMFRS to avoid the area and to keep their doors and windows shut due to the continuous smoke rising from the scene.

Lodge Mill, which dates back to around 1850, holds significant historical value for Middleton and is considered the oldest remaining mill in the area.

This is not the first time the mill has been struck by fire; in December 2021, a separate blaze engulfed three floors of an adjoining "back mill" section.

Following that incident, Rochdale council's building inspectors declared that structure unsafe and ordered its demolition.

The section of the mill that remained intact after the 2021 fire had been lovingly transformed into a vibrant community space, featuring an events venue and "The Ice Cream Shop at Lodge," situated next to the River Irk.

This cherished establishment was run by local residents Martin Cove and Paula Hickey, who are believed to have dedicated several years and significant personal investment to renovating the site.

Their efforts included installing new custom-made windows, undertaking extensive pointing work, and even adding solar panels to the roof.

The devastating fire has prompted an outpouring of sadness and support from the local community.

Martin and Paula have received dozens of supportive messages on social media, with many expressing heartbreak over the destruction of a place they poured their "hearts and soul into."

The landlord of the local Britannia Inn, along with Local Councillor Keeley O'Mara (Middleton Independents Party) and Labour Candidate Kathryn Bromfield, all shared messages of solidarity, acknowledging the couple's relentless work and their dreams of transforming that part of town.

Their dedication to making the town better was widely praised, with calls for support and assistance during this challenging time.