Homes evacuated and 'air ambulance lands' after house fire - LIVE updates

Properties have been evacuated as fire crews respond to a house fire this evening.

Both Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have warned people to stay away from the area of Oldham involved.

It's not currently known whether there have been any injuries.

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The emergency services have been called to Saint Thomas Street North in Werneth, Oldham. According to unverified reports, an air ambulance has also landed nearby.

In a statement, police in Oldham said: "Emergency services are currently responding to a fire on Saint Thomas Street North.

"A number of properties have been evacuated, members of the public are asked to avoid the area and further updates will follow when they are available."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, meanwhile, has confirmed crews are at the scene.

The brigade said in a Twitter post: "Our crews are currently tackling a house fire on Saint Thomas Street North, Oldham.

"Residents nearby are advised to keep their doors and windows closed. Please avoid the avoid where possible."

Further updates are expected later from both police and the fire service.

We'll be reporting live from the scene with updates in our blog below:

Neighbours have been recating to the incident:

One said he called the emergency services when he heard someone down the road from the house shout for help.

He said: “The door was open and we saw smoke all over."

Another neighbour added: "I came home from work and it was all blocked off. There was loads of smoke.

"There were around 10 police cars down the surrounding roads and lots of fire engines. Hopefully everyone is alright."