Manchester - 11:50PM: A fire broke has broken out in the Apta Bais Medrash of Rav Reuvein Yaakov Freed Shlita, located at 20 Welbeck Grove, in Salford, Manchester, England causing extensive damage to the Shul. The fire department was called after a neighbor smelled smoke. A firefighter carried the three Sifrei Torah outside to safety. They were then brought to a nearby home of a Hatzolah member, where the Sofer, Rav Benzion Danzky arrived to check them. The Shul reportedly has extensive damage, with the Aron Kodesh totally being destroyed. Boruch Hashem, there were no injuries, and the Sifrei Torah were removed. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, matches and a foil container were found by investigators on a Shul table.
