Explosion risk homes evacuated

A potentially explosive fire has led to the evacuation of up to 200 residents from their homes.

The blaze, involving three gas cylinders, broke out at about 0700 BST on Sunday, in an allotment shed in Greater Manchester.

Fifty homes, in the Bolton Road area of Ashton-in-Makerfield, were evacuated and a 200m exclusion zone set up.

Residents are not due to return home until Monday morning, while fire crews continue to cool the cylinders.

'Calm manner'

A police spokeswoman said although plans were made to open a local leisure centre for residents to use, all have made their own arrangements.

"Between 100 and 200 occupants of 50 houses have been evacuated," she said.

"Residents should be praised for the calm manner they conducted themselves throughout the operation."

She confirmed residents are unlikely to be able to return home until at least 0600 BST on Monday.

Traffic diversions

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said three crews attended the fire.

"We're still there at the moment, and we will be there for the next 24 hours," she said on Sunday morning.

Bolton Road was expected to be closed, between Golborne Road and Riding Lane, throughout the day on Sunday.

Traffic is being diverted along Golborne Road, via Edge Green Lane and Riding Lane, before rejoining Bolton Road.