A major incident has been declared after a huge fire broke out at a mill building.
Fire crews were called to J H Birtwistle Mill, in Haslingden, Lancashire, shortly after 12.30pm.
A police spokesman said the fire triggered Operation Merlin - an emergency services plan which comes into effect during major incidents.
Fourteen fire engines have been sent to the scene on Jubilee Road, off Grane Road.
Pictures from the scene show large plumes of smoke coming from the mill, reports Lancs Live.
The blaze involves a 200m by 90m commercial building and fire crews are tackling the incident with an aerial ladder platform, eight jets and a stinger appliance.
Crews from across Lancashire and Greater Manchester are trying to control the blaze.
Residents living near the scene are being told to close their windows and doors ‘as a precaution’.
Grane Road has been shut in both directions along with the slip road connecting the A56 to Grane Road and a section of Jubilee Road.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival crews found the fire involved a commercial mill building approximately 200m by 90m.
"The fire was well developed and a further eleven fire engines were requested to assist with firefighting operations.
"There are currently 14 fire engines in attendance including an aerial ladder platform and stinger appliance.
"Firefighters are tackling the fire using eight jets and a ground monitor."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.
