Large fire at Maple Mill

The fire rages at Maple Mill

EMERGENCY services were evacuating around 100 nearby properties after a large blaze broke out at the Maple Mill.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said about 70 firefighters and 15 vehicles were tackling the fire at the building on Cardwell Street this morning.

Fire officer Lee Smart said residents affected by the major incident were being evacuated to the Honeywell Centre and urged others still in their homes to keep their windows and doors closed.

Firefighters have not entered the building and are currently attacking the blaze from the outside, the fire service said.