Ashton-under-Lyne mill fire: Crews from 15 engines tackle blaze Published duration 7 August 2019

image caption The fire broke out mid-afternoon

A large blaze has spread from a mill to two other buildings, sending plumes of black smoke into the Manchester sky.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it received a 999 call at about 15:10 BST regarding a fire at a commercial unit in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Crews in breathing apparatus from 15 fire engines are tackling the blaze inside the Oxford Street East buildings, a spokesman said.

The blaze spread from the mill to two other "multi-storey" buildings.

People in the surrounding area have been advised to close their doors and windows.

Paul Etches, area manager for the fire service, said: "Parts of all the buildings affected have collapsed and we continue to fight the fire in sectors, allowing us to focus on specific pockets of the blaze in a concerted effort to get the whole incident under control."

image caption The building was evacuated

image caption But firefighters still searched for people inside