08 May 2023 , 16:52
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A huge fire has broken out at a three-storey building in a town centre - and smoke can be seen billowing into the air for miles.
Members of the public have been told stay away from central Bolton, Greater Manchester, as the fire continues to tear through the structure, thought to be a derelict mill.
Firefighters remain at the scene and a road will be closed for several hours into the night.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire on Spa Road, in Bolton.
"The road is expected to be shut for a number of hours while fire crews extinguish the fire. Members of the public are pleased asked to avoid the area for the time being."
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A large fire has broken out in a building in Bolton, Greater Manchester (SMAdyTaylor/Twitter)The old mill is close to University of Bolton and Queen's Park, a large green space west of the town centre, reports Manchester Evening News.
The station manager at Bolton North and Horwich fire stations, Ady Taylor, tweeted photographs from the scene. He says there are six fire engines/appliances at the scene and there are "three floors fully involved in fire".
He said: "Spa Road is currently shut in both directions and is expected to for a number of hours today.
Station manager at Bolton North and Horwich fire stations tweeted pictures of the fire (SMAdyTaylor/Twitter)"We are asking members of the public to please avoid the area for the time being and to allow firefighters to extinguish the fire. The swift actions of initial crews at the scene have stopped the fire from spreading and escalating further."
It is unclear if there is anyone injured at this stage.
Diversions for traffic intending to use Spa Road are in place, and these take drivers on local roads near the Heaton neighbourhood.