Fire breaks out behind retail park sending thick smoke across Manchester

Black smoke is billowing above a Boots store in Greater Manchester due to a fire raging nearby.

The pharmacy retail chain and other stores at Altrincham Retail Park appear unscathed by the flames.

But behind it, what is understood to be a scrap yard is on fire has been on fire since midday.

Firefighters re using truck-mounted ladders to spray water from outside the perimeter.

The fire has created a thick, black plume of smoke rising into the air.

From the car park, it looks as though it’s rising from the very stores shoppers are trying to visit.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Around midday today, firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a commercial property on Craven Road in Altrincham.

‘Four fire engines from Stretford, Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe fire stations, along with the aerial appliance from Manchester Central fire station quickly arrived at the scene, where a number of vehicles had caught fire at a scrap yard.

‘Firefighters remain at the scene as they work to extinguish the fire, and ask residents to keep doors and windows closed.’

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