Firefighters tackle unit blaze

More than 50 firefighters are tackling a large fire at an industrial unit in Greater Manchester.

The blaze broke out at the premises on Seaford Road, in Salford, just after 3pm.

Witnesses said smoke was billowing up to 100ft into the air and the blaze was visible for miles around.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire Service said it was unclear if anybody was inside the building. He said: "We were called to reports of a fire at an industrial unit in Salford at 3.03pm today. The building is well alight and we have around eight pumps in attendance."

The spokesman said they did not know what the premises were used for but there were a number of heavy goods vehicles parked near the unit.

Police said there had been a number of small explosions within the building but there were no reports of any injuries.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers are currently at the scene along with several fire engines including an aerial appliance.

"The fire has caused a large plume of smoke to form but at this stage it has not been established whether it is hazardous. It appears the fire has caused a number of small explosions within the building.

"As a precaution people are asked to stay away from the immediate area and those living in the immediate vicinity are being advised to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors shut as a precaution. There are no reports of any injuries."

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Ambulance Service said they had appliances at the scene as a precaution but there were no reports of any casualties.