Coronation Street fire scenes spark 999 calls

The stunt was being filmed as part of a dramatic storyline airing next month

Coronation Street looks to be on fire in this picture, taken by Twitter user Stephen Ryder (Stephen Ryder/@steryder74)

Firefighters rushed to the Coronation Street set last night after a mock explosion led to locals seeing smoke and flames.

The ITV soap’s cast and crew were filming dramatic scenes in Trafford Park in Manchester when realistic “special effects” resulted in residents calling 999.

Great Manchester Fire and Rescue Service went to investigate but soon clarified the situation on its official Twitter feed.

"At 9.25pm on Tuesday April 14 2015, we received reports of an explosion and a fireball seen on the set of Coronation Street on Warren Bruce Road in Trafford Park,” a GMFRS spokesperson said.

"Three fire engines and an officer were sent to the scene but fortunately it turned out to be a false alarm - the explosion was caused by special effects."

The stunt is the biggest so far to have been filmed at Corrie's new MediaCityUK set, where it moved last year following decades at its previous base on Quay Street in central Manchester.

Scenes from the storyline, which feature a blaze at Victoria Court flats, are being kept under wraps and will be broadcast in May.

Corrie's last big fire storyline featured the famous Rovers Return going up in flames at the hands of Karl Munro in 2013.

It is thought the fire brigade had been told in advance about the mock blaze and fire and safety marshals were present on set.