20 fire crews tackle large fire on Sankey Valley Industrial Estate in Newton-le-Willows

Firefighters were called to the scene off Junction Lane in Earlestown shortly before 11.10am and on arrival crews found a blaze initially measuring about 30 metres by 15 metres.

Four fire engines were initially called to tackle the flames but that number swiftly escalated to 20, such was the ferocity of the flames intensified at the premises, which is believed to be a plastics recycling company.

The blaze has ripped through a large quantity of plastic crates and a brick building, sending a huge cloud of smoke billowing into the sky.

Firefighters were called to the scene in Earlestown shortly before 11.10am and on arrival crews found a blaze initially measuring about 30 metres by 15 metres.

Smoke is billowing into the skies and can be seen around the region.

Four fire engines were initially called to deal with the blaze but that number has quickly swelled to 20, such is the ferocity of the flames.

The fire involves a large quantity of plastic crates and a brick building about 50 metres by 30 metres.

By mid-afternoon the fire service said the blaze had spread to measuring 50 metres by 30 metres.

Firefighters have been working in intense heat to keep it under control. Drone footage showed flames rising out of the building.

A fire service spokesman said: "Firefighters are working in really challenging heat conditions." 

This evening, more than seven hours since the blaze broke out, firefighting continues.

Two water bowsers supplied by United Utilities are being used to assist the crews.

Two combined platform ladders and high volume pumps have also been used.

Images of the smoke plume have been sent from as far a field as New Brighton and Staffordshire.

READ MORE> You can read our live coverage from the scene here

In a statement Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which has been assisted by colleagues from Cheshire, said: "The smoke plume is now going straight up and dissipating, however, as the fire reduces it may drop lower, probably during the night.

"We would still advise those living and working nearby to keep their windows and doors closed for the time being. 

Rachael Cunliffe, who lives over the road from the fire, and is celebrating her 40th birthday today explained to the Star what she had witnessed. 

She said: "It was at about half eleven, went into the garden to put washing out to see huge plumes of smoke!

"We're just across the road and it has been a bit scary as there was big flames and a lot of fire services, but we did have confidence in them that they'd keep us safe.

"It seems to be under control, lots and lots of smoke but it's not as black now"

Newton-le-Willows councillor Jeanie Bell issued a message of reassurance to the community: "This is a really worrying time as emergency services battle to keep the blaze under control, it's an incredibly tough job and the heat they are working in makes this even harder.

"Please do all you can to stay safe including following the advice given by the police and fire services to  keep your doors and windows closed. Stay away from the area where the fire is to reduce traffic and make sure if you feel unwell you call 111."

A multi-agency meeting involving fire chiefs, senior police officers and council officers has taken place.

The following road closures are in place:
- Sankey Street at its junction with Legh Street
- Earle Street at its junction with Viaduct St
- Earle Street at its junction with Bridge Street
- Wellington Street at its junction with Legh Street
- Sankey Street closed at the bridge.

Seve Gomez-Aspron, a councillor for Newton-le-Willows, urged people to stay indoors.

He said: "Any type of burning plastic has the potential to release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere and so we’d ask everyone to stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed until the emergency services deem it safe to go back to normal.

"I’d like to thank our emergency services for their hard work on an already hot day.

"The least we could do was provide them with bottled water from our community to keep them hydrated.

"And thanks to local businesses such as Tesco Earlestown and The Griffin pub for accommodating the emergency services.”

Anyone with existing medical conditions should keep medicine nearby. If any ill effects occur, call NHS 111.

The incident is ongoing.