FOUR people are believed to have been injured after an explosion in Walkden.

Witnesses have reported seeing a huge fireball and the ambulance service said two casualties have suffered facial burns. Two others have minor injuries.

Residents living near to the fire at Adler and Allen, in Harcourt Street, are being advised to close doors and windows.

The company is a provider of oil and environmental services.

Police said the blast happened when a storage tanker containing fuel caught fire.

Two members of staff suffered serious facial burns in the incident and have been taken by air ambulance to Wythenshawe Hospital.

The explosion happened shortly after 2.10pm today.

It is believed a storage tanker containing fuel caught fire but police said there is no evidence at this stage to suggest there is any kind of hazardous substance involved.

The two members of staff with serious facial burns have been taken by air ambulance to Wythenshawe Hospital.

Emergency services, including fire crews, are now at the scene and the fire is under control.

Residents in neighbouring streets are now being advised to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution.

A number of nearby roads including Harcourt Street and Worsley Road North were closed while emergency services deal with the scene but they have since re-opened.