Fire at former Grand Cinema on Muglet Lane

Crews from Maltby and Rotherham battled the blaze at the former Grand Cinema on Muglet Lane, Maltby, for almost 12 hours after reports of flames tearing through its roof space at around 1.20pm on Monday.

They fought the flames from aerial platforms as police cordoned off the area — closing the road to traffic for several hours.

A fire service spokeswoman said: “The building was well ablaze when fire crews arrived. It appeared to be full of a quantity of wood, so was difficult to extinguish. Six appliances worked in relay until the early hours.”

She added: “Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.”

Maltby’s former Grand Theatre has served as a bingo hall and retail outlets in recent years.

The 6,886 square foot property was being offered for sale prior to the blaze.