Fire crews battle recycling plant blaze

Firefighters say they have contained a blaze that broke out at a recycling plant overnight.

Eight appliances were sent to fight the fire at Wardley industrial estate, near Swinton, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.

The fire is believed to involve a large number of recycled computer parts in an industrial-sized container.

A downed power line also caused problems at the scene and was being made safe by the National Grid, the fire service added.

Photos showed a large plume of smoke against the sky, with North West motorway police tweeting that black smoke was billowing across the M60 between junctions 13 and 14 and the M61.

Firefighters managed to bring the flames "well under control" just after 2am on Sunday, with people in the surrounding area advised to keep their windows and doors shut to prevent smoke from seeping into their homes.

Darren Moore, force duty officer for Greater Manchester Police said: "At 11.23pm police attended a large fire at a recycling plant to assist the fire brigade.

"The fire is believed to be contained although it will continue to be fought overnight.

"A number of people have been evacuated from their homes."

Eleven people were transferred from their homes into emergency accommodation, he said, with others leaving to stay with family and friends.

There were no reports of anyone being injured, he added.

The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation will take place.