Factory fire gas threat remains

The fire generated a large amount of smoke (picture by Stuart Bradley)

About 200 people have spent a second night away from their homes after a fire at a factory in Manchester.

Gas cylinders are in the building, in Crossley Street, Gorton, and firefighters said there was still a risk of further explosions.

One has detonated and landed on the roof of a nearby house and two exploded as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Crossley Street is closed between Yale Road and Gorton Road and is likely to remain shut until lunchtime.

At its height about 70 firefighters were tackling the blaze.

Two cylinders exploded during the initial firefighting operation, including a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder which sent a 30m (98ft) high fireball into the air, the fire service said.

The gas must be kept in cold water for 24 hours to prevent explosions.

The cause of the fire, which started at about 1530 BST on Monday, is not yet known.

A council spokeswoman said residents unable to stay with relatives or friends were being looked after at Belle Vue community centre.