Fire crews tackle commercial building blaze

Fire at Sartex Quilts and Textiles

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Over forty fire-fighters are tackling a huge fire at a commercial building in Rochdale.

The building, owned by Sartex Quilts and Textiles Ltd, on Norwich Street close to Durham Street/Oldham Road has been ablaze since around 6.00pm.

Crews are using a large number of jets to put out the fire. A huge plume of black smoke can be seen for some distance. Two aerial fire appliances are in attendance.

Members of the public gathered in the street as the fire took hold of the building with some reporting explosions and bangs.

Thirteen-year-old Kieran Ellis, said: “I was on Kirkholt when I heard a bang and saw loads of smoke so I came down and I saw flames all over the roof.”

A section of Oldham Road, close to the junction of Woodbine Street and Durham Street is closed.

The police and ambulance service are in attendance. There is no risk to the public.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.