Fire services remain in attendance after a blaze broke out at a derelict mill in the centre of Bolton this afternoon.

The call came in just after 3.30pm after the building on Spa Road was seen well alight.

Smoke rose and could be seen across the centre of town.

Six units were sent to the scene from Bolton, Bolton North, Farnworth and Horwich and further support was sent from Leigh.

Spa Road was sealed off as officers battled to get the blaze under control.

The Bolton News:

Station Manager Adrian Taylor said: “Spa Road is currently shut in both directions and is expected to for a number of hours today.

“We are asking members of the public to please avoid the area for the time being and to allow firefighters to extinguish the fire. The swift actions of initial crews at the scene have stopped the fire spreading and escalating further.”

Michael Williams, who lives nearby, said "A friend contacted me and said you better get out of your house and see what is going on.
"It is very concerning.
"There are five fire engines here and a scene investigator but no police.
"The building is next to the Bolton Lads and Girls club, I think it's an old textile building that isn't being used."

The road remains closed and firefighters are using a height unit to hose down the upper levels of the building.