LIVE updates: Reports of explosions and homes evacuated as firefighters tackle huge blaze in Hyde

Residents have reportedly been evacuated following a huge fire in Hyde. Emergency services have rushed to the large blaze which erupted on Monday evening (January 22).

Footage from the scene shows firefighters tackling the ferocious blaze as members of the public look on. According to reports the fire is just off Stockport Road near a rubber works and an interior design company.

The Manchester Evening News has contacted Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for more information.

Follow the live blog below for updates.

This is a breaking story - we will update it as it develops.

According to residents on Stockport Road firefighters have gained control of the blaze.

One person told the MEN: "The flames have seemed to really slow down now and it's more under control."

Resident, Alannah Foster told the MEN that there was a strong smell of burning wood in the air.

"It was really strong." She said. "The smell wasn't chemically but it was very wood burning.

"People were saying that the building was being used to build stages for performances so it must have been a lot of wood and stage equipment in that building."

Stockport Road resdent Alannah Foster and her fiance Jake Ridgeway says they have been told to keep their windows and doors closed.

"The people not in the most immediate danger area have been allowed to go home but we have been told to keep our windows and doors shut." Said Jake.

Alannah added: "There are police and firefiighters walking around wearing masks, everyone was covering their mouths and there are oxygen tanks everywhere."

The fire appears to be dying down now.

Stockport Road resident, Rebecca Morris, said the fire appeared to come from the Visual Architects building and described the