Emergency services responded to a major fire at a mill in Middleton early on Sunday morning, with residents urged to keep windows and doors closed.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service sent six fire engines to a commercial building on Townley Street shortly after 5.48am on 29 March. Crews arrived quickly and began tackling a large fire using an aerial platform, ground monitors and other specialist equipment.
Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to make the area safe.
Police confirmed road closures were put in place on Townley Street between Oldham Road and Lodge Street, with the public advised to avoid the area while the incident was brought under control.
A spokesperson for the fire service said crews were dealing with a large fire near the town centre and urged residents nearby to keep doors and windows shut.
Greater Manchester Police also issued a public warning advising people in the surrounding area to remain indoors where possible and avoid travelling into the affected zone.
Reports from people living nearby described hearing loud bangs around the time the fire broke out. Emergency services have not confirmed the cause of the fire.
Middleton Arena closed for the day due to its proximity to the incident, with management advising visitors not to travel while emergency operations continued.
Images from the scene showed heavy smoke rising from the building as firefighters continued efforts to fully extinguish the blaze.…Read more by David Murphy