A huge plume of smoke billowed into the sky over Manchester this morning as firefighters tackled a huge blaze at an industrial estate that was momentarily being used as a church.
Eight fire crews rushed to Clifton Street in Miles Platting at around 3.40am with residents in the area being asked to keep their windows and doors closed.
Hulme Hall Lane was taped off between Oldham Road and Bradford Road while the emergency services tackled the fire.
Aerial pictures from the scene shared by the Manchester Evening News show the extent of the blaze, with smoke billowing out of the buildings.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 3.40am on Saturday 17 June, fire crews were called to reports of a fire on Clifton Street, Manchester.
"Eight fire engines from across Manchester and Salford, including a turntable ladder appliance, quickly attended the incident, which involves two detached industrial buildings.
"Firefighters have made good progress extinguishing the fire and remain at the scene.
"Hulme Hall Lane (A6010) remains closed between Oldham Road (A62) and Bradford Road.
"People are asked to avoid the area where possible."
Smoke could be seen from miles away, residents said, with reports of "an acrid smell" in the air.
Currently, the cause of the fire is not known and an investigation is ongoing, according to the MEN.
Just before 10am this morning, the fire service added: "Crews are still at the scene in North Manchester but are now scaling down.
"Road closures remain in place so please avoid the area if possible."
GMFRS Station Manager Tom Weate said: "This was a well-seated fire and there are road closures in the area, so I'd ask the public to bear that in mind when travelling around Manchester today."
