LIVE Smoke seen for miles around as huge fire breaks out in Bolton town centre - latest updates

A large fire has broken out in Bolton town centre this evening.

Pictures show flames lapping from a building on Spa Road. Smoke can be seen billowing above the area which is close to the university.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire on Spa Road, in Bolton.

"The road is expected to be shut for a number of hours while fire crews extinguish the fire. Members of the public are pleased asked to avoid the area for the time being."

This is a breaking news story we will be bringing you updates in the live blog below

Our photographer has just sent us this image. There remains a large fire service presence at the scene this evening.

Fire breaks out in Bolton town centre

The station manager at Bolton North and Horwich fire stations, Ady Taylor, has tweeted these pictures from the scene. He says there are six fire engines/appliances at the scene and that there are 'three floors of five storey fully involved in fire'

This is all the fire service have said so far about the incident. They say Spa Road will be closed 'for a number of hours' and are asking the public to avoid the area

Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire on Spa Road, in Bolton The road is expected to be shut for a number of hours while fire crews extinguish the fire. Members of the public are pleased asked to avoid the area for the time being.