Moment huge fire erupts outside Etihad Stadium as thousands of fans arrive

Video footage has captured the moment a huge fire erupted outside of the Etihad stadium tonight (Wednesday, January 29) as thousands of fans were arriving.

The blaze, thought to have been at a merchandise stand outside of the West Stand reception, broke out shortly before 6pm - around two hours before City's Champions League clash with Club Brugge.

Huge crowds were being pushed back and fleeing the area after the fire broke out. Smoke was billowing from the stand as numerous fire engines and police vehicles arrived on blue lights in chaotic scenes outside the stadium.

The blaze was eventually put out, with a number of entrance gates also closing for the evening due to emergency services working at the scene. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

The incident was also not thought to have caused any delays to the 8pm kick off time, reporters in the stadium were told.

Manchester City later confirmed the fire had broken out at a merchandise kiosk close to the Colin Bell West Stand. A statement added: "Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished.

"The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe.

“Firefighters have been in attendance for around twenty minutes and are still at the scene.”