Firefighters have been battling a huge cardboard fire in Cheetham Hill

These pictures show the moment a large quantity of cardboard burst into flames in an alleyway in Cheetham Hill.

Fire crews were scrambled to Broughton Street on Friday morning to reports of a large fire in an alleyway.

Fire at a commercial unit on Broughton Street, Cheetham Hill (Manchester Evening News)

Pictures show the area covered by bright orange flames as a number of local business owners gathered outside.

Three fire engines are at the scene and a large cordon is in place as crews battle the flames.

Firefighters battle the blaze at the commercial unit (Manchester Evening News)

It is not yet clear how the fire started.

The Manchester Evening News is not aware of any reported injuries.

Three crews battled the blaze (Manchester Evening News)

The surrounding area is made up of shops and small industrial units in the centre of Cheetham Hill. 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire Service said: “We were called today at 10.36am to a fire in Broughton Street Manchester.

A large fire on Broughton Street (@jim_henn)

“We currently have three crews in attendance dealing with a fire involving a large quantity of cardboard in an alleyway.

“Two cordons have been put in place and two hose reels and two breathing apparatus are in use.”