Manchester fire in pictures: Huge flames engulf building as billows of smoke fill sky
The blaze was photographed as it ripped through a retail premises in Gorton
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A huge fire broke out in Manchester this morning, sending flames and smoke shooting into the air over a large area of the city.
Dramatic footage of the blaze emerged online, with images and videos showing the fire raging behind what appears to be a retail premises in Levenshulme in the city's southeast as horrified bystanders look on.
More images from much further away show the smoke billowing over the city for miles - as well as a large-scale emergency services presence on the scene.
On social media, locals remarked on the sheer scale of the fire, with one claiming they could see the smoke over five kilometres away in Didsbury.
The flames could be seen raging at the rear of a commercial unit in Gorton
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The massive blaze can be seen erupting at the rear of a commercial unit in Levenshulme
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The blaze has blackened the sky across the city
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The fire, pictured sending smoke into the air above a church
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The smoke could be seen towering over the city from some distance
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While one Manchester resident said: "There's a huge fire in Gorton and I can smell it from Piccadilly. It sounds like they're sending every fire engine in Manchester too!"
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were in action at a commercial unit on Longden Road in Gorton - and have closed off local roads and told residents to shut their windows and doors.
A statement from the 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."
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Police and firefighters were at the scene on Matthews Lane
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Even further from the blaze, drivers shared footage of the smoke billowing into the air
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Locals posted videos of the smoke from miles away
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Local reports said that residents on Matthews Lane - where cranes, police and firefighters have been seen - have been told to leave their homes altogether.
Just under half an hour after the fire service confirmed they were at the scene, Greater Manchester Police said: "We are currently assisting our colleagues in Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service after reports of a fire in Gorton.
"A number of roads have been closed in the area whilst emergency services work and we thank the public for their patience during this time."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were on the scene on Gorton's Longden Road
Inside the commercial premises on fire sit pharmaceutical firms, motor companies and a windows and doors company.
Though the blaze could be seen erupting behind MHM Pharmaceuticals, as of Friday afternoon, it remained unclear which of the businesses inside have been damaged.
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