Fire service issues statement as huge blaze breaks out in Manchester

Residents living in Manchester have been warned to keep their windows and doors shut this morning amid a huge fire.

The huge blaze broke out on a street on the border of Gorton and Levenshulme earlier today (Friday). The fire is still burning, with large plumes of thick black smoke and flames billowing from the building.

Some residents have been reported been evacuated from their homes as crews work to extinguish the blaze. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has now issue a statement on the fire.

The fire service said it started in a commercial unit on Longden Road. People should avoid the area, and residents should keep their windows and doors closed.

"Firefighters are in attendance at a fire involving a commercial unit on Longden Road, Gorton, which is producing a large amount of smoke", GMFRS said. "Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area. Road closures are in place."

A huge emergency response is on the scene. Part of Matthews Lane has been cordoned off, as well as Longden Road and the surrounding streets.

As well as fire service vehicles, a large amount of police vehicles are also on the scene. Officers have reportedly been spotted knocking on doors and asking people to leave their homes who live close to the blaze.

Photos show huge Manchester fire as smoke billows across city

It has not yet been confirmed whether anyone has been left injured in the fire. More details are expected to be revealed shortly.

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