Derelict social club catches fire in Preston, one person injured

Fire crews from Preston, Penwortham and Fulwood were called out to the blaze at the former New Friargate Social Club in Maudland Bank at 5.37am.

Four fire engines were mobilised and firefighters used six breathing apparatus, one jet, three hose reels and two ventilation units to extinguish the fire.

One casualty was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before being taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

An ambulance service spokesman said: "We were called at 5.32am to attend to a patient who reportedly had smoke inhalation.

"A rapid response vehicle and ambulance were sent to the incident and we took the patient to hospital."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The derelict social club has been the target of vandalism and anti-social behaviour since it closed down in 2014.

In April 2019, more than 20 firefighters were called into action after a blaze broke out inside the derelict building.

In 2018, developers were granted permission to build student accommodation at the site, with plans for a four-storey building providing 142 flats proposed.