Huge fire breaks out in Manchester city centre with dozens of firefighters attending

BREAKING

The blaze has engulfed the Hotspur Press building near Oxford Road train station, leading to a complete cancellation of trains.

The Hotspur Press is a derelict historic building in Manchester city centre which had been earmarked for renovations.

A huge emergency service presence is currently at the scene attempting to fight the fire.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen rises high into the Manchester skyline as dramatic videos on social media showed the extent of the fire.

National Rail said that services running through Oxford station may be delayed or cancelled.

The station sits along one of the key railway lines through central Manchester.

The Manchester Evening News have reported that flats around the area have been evacuated and that streets have been cordoned off.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said, “Firefighters are currently tackling a large fire at the derelict Hotspur Press building on Cambridge Street in Manchester.

“An evacuation of the neighbouring apartment buildings is taking place. The public are advised to stay away from the area while crews continue to tackle the fire.”

Hotspur Press, also known as Medlock Mill, is a derelict Victorian building which was shut down as a printing press in 1996.

A redevelopment on the site which kept the redbrick façade had gotten planning permission last year which would see a 36 storey student tower built on top of the site.