Patients and staff have been evacuated from Trafford General Hospital following a lightning strike.

Firefighters are tackling a blaze on the roof of a building at the hospital in Greater Manchester.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 2.20pm this afternoon, seven fire engines were called to reports of a fire at a building on Moorside Road in Flixton.

“Crews were quickly on the scene, joined by the aerial ladder platform from Manchester Central fire station, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently using two hose reels and a jet to tackle a fire involving the roof of a two-storey building.

“Crews remain in attendance at this time.”

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the hospital was struck by lightning which caused a fire in an area of the roof.

A spokeswoman said: “As at 3.15pm, we have safely evacuated wards and clinical areas. All staff and patients are safe, and we are informing relatives.

“We have taken the precaution of closing the Trafford Minor Injuries Unit.

“For all urgent and emergency care issues, please use alternative facilities including ringing NHS 111.

“Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance.”

The health trust said a total of 66 patients from ward and clinical areas were safely evacuated to other parts of the hospital.

The Minor Injuries Unit is expected to reopen on Thursday morning and outpatient appointments will go ahead as planned.

GMFRS area manager Carlos Meakin told reporters that significant damage had been caused to the roof, with the timbers “pretty much burnt through”.