Residents evacuated from homes after huge fire breaks out in Manchester

A huge fire has broken out in Manchester with local residents evacuated from their homes.

Dramatic footage of the blaze and thick plumes of black smoke have been shared online, with images and videos showing flames behind a retail premises.

It is believed to have started in a commercial unit on Hemmons Road in the area of Gorton at the border with Levenshulme.

When the fire began, at around 8am, smoke was spotted as far away as Oldham.

A large cordon is in place in the area, with emergency crews stationed on Matthews Lane.

It is now known if anyone has been injured at this stage.

A dozen fire engines are at the scene with fire brought under control around 1.45pm, with the smoke plume also reduced.

A total of four residential streets - Prestage Street, Newdale Road, Hemmons Road and Maida Street - have been cordoned off, with locals urged to keep their windows closed.

Longden Road is home to several businesses, including a pharmacy, an MOT garage, and a pharmaceuticals wholesaler.

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Twelve fire engines from across Greater Manchester are currently at the scene of a fire involving a commercial unit on Hemmons Road, Levenshulme.

"Crews were called at around 8am this morning and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have been working hard throughout the day to tackle the fire in sectors using hose reels, jets, and turntable ladders.

"The fire has been brought under control and the smoke plume has been reduced.

"Road closures remain in place around the scene and we ask that people avoid the area while the emergency services carry out their work.

"We ask that members of the public do not fly drones over the incident cordon, as this risks affecting operations at the scene."

Greater Manchester Police said: "We are currently assisting our colleagues in Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service after reports of a fire in Gorton."A number of roads have been closed in the area whilst emergency services work and we thank the public for their patience during this time."

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