Large fire breaks out in Manchester as firefighters tackle blaze

Police closed main roads in the area as firefighters battled a blaze at an industrial unit in Manchester.

Emergency services are at the scene of a fire at a factory unit in Trafford Park. Images on social media showed dense clouds of smoke from the industrial area that could be seen from as far away as Lancashire. The source of the fire is not yet known.

Manchester Fire and Rescue Services responded to the blaze and asked people in the area to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area while emergency crews worked at the scene.

“Crews are currently dealing with a fire at an industrial unit in Trafford Park,” it said in a statement. “Please keep windows and doors closed if you are in the area and avoid the area while emergency services are working at the scene.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

Eyewitnesses told Manchester Evening News They saw “a large plume of smoke near the Trafford Centre/Trafford park” and asked what it could be.

This is breaking news. More to follow.