Historic Wythenshawe Hall is expected to be badly damaged following a fire at the historic Tudor building.

Firefighters began  tackling the blaze at the hall in Wythenshawe Park at around 3.30 am today .

The firefighters said no-one is thought to be trapped inside or hurt in any way but they are expected the 500-year-old Tudor building and art gallery to be badly damaged.

You can clearly see the fire in the roof of this beautiful and historic house – we are doing everything we can pic.twitter.com/Tl1M5fM7zf

— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) 15 March 2016

Wythenshawe Hall is the former home of the Tatton family and is owned by Manchester City Council.

The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall have been working hard to raise funds to restore the building through a series of open days and events.

The fundraisers have purchased period military displays of armor and weapons including swords and reproduction muskets.