BREAKING: Huge response to fire at Dean Trust Ardwick secondary school - live updates

There is a huge emergency services response at the scene of an ongoing fire at the The Dean Trust Ardwick Secondary School in Longsight this evening.

The blaze, reportedly on the first floor in a school building, on Stockport Road, has caused the road to become blocked with a number of fire engines tonight.

Firefighters are in attendance currently tackling the ongoing blaze. Pictures from the scene show a large fire service response at the incident, along with police.

The cause of the fire or any further details have not yet been confirmed.

This is a live incident. Updates to follow.

“At around 7:30pm this evening (Thursday, 4^th January), firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the Dean Trust School in Ardwick.

“Eight fire engines from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford, Philips Park, Blackley, Manchester Central and Withington fire stations, as well as several specialist appliances are currently at the scene involving a fire in a classroom of the school.

“Firefighters are using hose reels and breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have closed Stockport Road and ask residents to avoid the area until further notice. Road closures are expected to be in place for some time.”

The MEN understands from an internal email that the fire started in a classroom and is now out.

“Crews are currently in attendance at the site of the Dean Trust School in Ardwick.

“Stockport Road is closed as firefighters work to tackle the fire and we ask that residents avoid the area until further notice.”