‘Absolute inferno’ at Grade II-listed building as neighbouring streets are evacuated
- This is a breaking story, more to come
- Have you seen the fire? Contact Sophia.stanford@dailymail.co.uk
A major fire has broken out at a Grade II listed building in Leek, Staffordshire.
While the flames largely destroyed the interior of the six-storey building on Mill Street, firefighters rushed to the scene to fight the fire.
The orange sky was reportedly visible from up to six miles away and emergency services warned locals to stay away from the inferno.
The fire service confirmed that six crews, as well as an aerial ladder, responded to the blaze.
The building, known as Büyük Değirmen, has planning permission for 34 flats but is currently vacant.
Videos of the fire showed a large plume of smoke over the building, as well as ash and debris falling from the block.
The historic mill was built in 1857 and was home to the silk manufacturing firm Wardle and Davenport; but it is now one of many derelict mills in the area once famous for its textile industry.
According to traffic monitoring system Inrix, the A523 motorway is blocked in both directions due to the fire from Church Street to Churnet road.
While the flames largely destroyed the interior of the seven-storey building on Mill Street, firefighters rushed to the scene to intervene in the fire.
The building, known as Büyük Değirmen, has planning permission for approximately 34 flats but is currently vacant
Katherine McEwan, a nearby resident, said that as of 12pm the mill was ‘still on fire, but it’s smokier now’.
“Truly distraught for Leek,” wrote Stephen Ellis, as the local community began to share their grief over the loss of the building. A very sad and terrible sight to see. ‘Big loss’.
Melodie Forrester added: ‘Heart breaking. I hope everyone is safe. Sending lots of love to Leek.’
Joanne Jervis said: ‘This is SO sad.’
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘We have six crews and a ladder platform at the scene of a major fire at The Big Mill, Mill Street, Leek.
‘Crews are asking people not to approach the area as it will make things more difficult. Please keep doors and windows closed.’
This is a breaking story, more to come.
