Ashton-under-Lyne mill fire: Crews from 15 engines tackle blaze

Image caption, The fire broke out mid-afternoon

A large blaze has spread from a mill to two other buildings, sending plumes of black smoke into the Manchester sky.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it received a 999 call at about 15:10 BST regarding a fire at a commercial unit in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Crews in breathing apparatus from 15 fire engines are tackling the blaze inside the Oxford Street East buildings, a spokesman said.

The blaze spread from the mill to two other "multi-storey" buildings.

People in the surrounding area have been advised to close their doors and windows.

Paul Etches, area manager for the fire service, said: "Parts of all the buildings affected have collapsed and we continue to fight the fire in sectors, allowing us to focus on specific pockets of the blaze in a concerted effort to get the whole incident under control."

Image caption, The building was evacuated
Image caption, But firefighters still searched for people inside

Image source, GMFRS

Image caption, The fire has affected three buildings