Ashton under Lyne fire: Massive blaze breaks out at flats sparking evacuation as emergency services rush to scene

A MASSIVE fire has broken out at a block of flats with residents evacuated as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Pictures showed a large fireball and black smoke billowing from the building in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester.

Katherine Street was closed off while emergency services attended to the fire which has now been put out.

The Fire Service confirmed residents were evacuated safely as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Three people were assessed by medics at the scene but no one was hospitalised.

A police cordon that was put up the scene earlier has also been taken down.

Local reports say fire crews have still remained at the site.

Pictures show that the heavily scorched exterior of the building is still visible despite the blaze being put out.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire Service said: "Just before 11.30am this morning (Tuesday 31st January), five fire engines from Ashton, Hyde, Mossley, Gorton and Hollins fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving flats on Katherine Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne. The crews arrived quickly at scene.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatuses used two safety jets to extinguish the fire. Firefighters have been in attendance for around two hours and are still at the scene."

The spokesperson added that residents were evacuated, with some residents now allowed back into their flats.

Three people were assessed by paramedics, though no-one was taken to hospital.