Fire on Dale Street

It’s hard to miss the gloomy blanket of smoke over Manchester city centre this morning. Looking like a layer of city smog, the covering is the result of a huge fire on Dale Street.

Firefighters are battling to stop the blaze spreading from the building at the junction of Dale Street and Lever Street. They are concerned that the five-storey building could be in danger of collapsing.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester fire service said: "Fire officers were called to the scene at 5.55am and were met by a well established fire involving all the floors of the building. The building is entirely surrounded by emergency scaffolding and there is a real risk of collapse."

There is a possibility that the building has been home to a number of homeless people. It’s yet to be confirmed whether there is anyone in the building now.

The area is currently cordoned off and Police have advised motorists to avoid the area.