LIVE: Homes evacuated and police cordon in place amid horror fire - updates

A large cordon is in place on a residential street in Middleton this evening after a horror house fire.

Police, fire crews and paramedics are currently at the scene on Winderemere Road. Police tape has blocked the street in both directions amid investigations.

Pictures from the scene of the incident show how one of the houses on the street has been left visibly charred by the blaze. Smoke was seen billowing overhead earlier this afternoon.

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No further details surrounding the incident have been confirmed. Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for a statement.

This is a live incident. Updates to follow.

A group of residents have gathered together at the scene to watch on as emergency crews carry out their work.

A resident told told us this afternoon: “The next door neighbour started banging on my mum’s door. I think around half three.”

As another added: "It was heartbreaking. It’s damaged some of the stuff in our house as well.”

Traffic is still being diverted this afternoon, with Windermere Road closed off in both directions.

Pictures from the scene this evening show the extent of the damage caused to the house in question.

Windows appear to have been damaged with the exterior also left blackened and charred by the blaze.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed tonight that a number of nearby homes were also evacuated following the fire.

The cause has not yet been confirmed, but it started on the ground and first floor of an end terrace house at around 3.40pm.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)