Manchester fire LIVE: Huge plumes of smoke billow over city with residents evacuated

Huge flames and plumes of smoke have been spotted billowing over Manchester this morning amid a fire.

The fire is believed to have started in a commercial building on Longden Road in the area of Gorton at the border with Levenshulme. A large cordon is in place in the area, with emergency crews stationed on Matthews Lane.

A huge number of fire response vehicles are on the scene, with police also responding. Dozens of pictures and videos of the blaze are being shared on social media in Levenshulme and Gorton Facebook groups, with the smoke also spotted from further afield in Oldham.

READ NEXT: Police car lands on top of motorbike after reports of high-speed 'chase' before road cordoned off

According to our reporter and photographer at the scene, people are reportedly being asked to leave near homes near Matthews Lane.

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are in attendance at a fire involving a commercial unit on Longden Road, Gorton, which is producing a large amount of smoke.

"Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area. Road closures are in place."

Follow our live blog below for the latest.

Read more of today's top stories here

Huge plumes of smoke are still billowing from the blaze.

The building involved appears to be on Longden Road. Huge plumes of black smoke are still billowing out of the roof pic.twitter.com/uUnRTlqiSm

"Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area."

Firefighters are in attendance at a fire involving a commercial unit on Longden Road, Gorton, which is producing a large amount of smoke.

Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors