An evacuation order is underway after plumes of smoke were spotted this morning after a huge fire broke out at a commercial building.

The fire is said to have started in a commercial building on Longden Road in the area of Gorton at the border with Levenshulme in Manchester. A large emergency cordon is in place in the area, with fire and ambulance crews stationed on Matthews Lane.

Large numbers of emergency response vehicles are on the scene, including several police cars. Pictures and videos on social media show the large blaze with the smoke also spotted from further afield in the Oldham area.

On social media, locals remarked on the sheer scale of the fire, with one even claiming they could see the smoke more than five kilometres away in Didsbury. The commercial development where the fire broke out holds pharmaceutical firms, motor companies and a windows and doors company.

Fire crews engulfed in black smoke are seen battling to put the blaze out

At this stage it remains unclear which businesses have been damaged by the blaze. According to Manchester Evening News reporter Chris Slater who is at the scene, four road have been cordoned off in the surrounding area, including Prestage Street, Newdale Road, Hemmons Road and Maida Street.

The fire service has confirmed the blaze was sparked in a commercial building. The service also advised people to leave their homes and to keep an windows and doors locked shut. At present it has not been confirmed if anyone has been injured by the fire. More details are expected to be revealed shortly.
A fire is said to have started in a commercial building on Longden Road, Manchester

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue 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."

A statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reads: "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."