Massive fire in Liverpool after 'EXPLOSION' as residents urged 'STAY INDOORS'
A MASSIVE fire has broken out in Liverpool with video showing huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
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It is understood the incident broke out at a storage building in Kirkdale.
The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service stated crews were alerted to the incident at 10.49pm and arrived five minutes later.
A statement read: “Fire crews are dealing with a fire this evening (Monday) involving a factory unit in Redfern Street, off Stanley Road, Bootle.
“Six fire engines are in attendance at the scene.
“Crews were alerted at 22.49pm and were on scene at 22.54pm.
“Firefighters arrived to find a fire at the rear of factory units at the site.
“Crews have been using two main branch jets to tackle the fire.”
Witnesses reported hearing “loud bangs” in the area before the horrific flames started to spread.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed the police are also in attendance.
The service added residents close to the fire were being advised to “remain indoors”.
They said: “Nearby residents are asked as a precaution to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed.”
One user on Twitter posted footage of the huge flames in the distance as the smoke filled the sky.
She wrote: “Huge fire by mine in Kirkdale.”
Another wrote: “Huge fire near Bank Hall Station Liverpool.”
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It is believed that no one was injured in the fire - there have been no ambulance requests.
Merseyrail detailed that “all services on the Southport Line are currently suspended” due to the ongoing incident.
A spokesperson commented: "Due to a line side fire in the Sandhills/Bank Hall area, all services on the Southport Line are currently suspended.
"All Northern Line services are affected. More information will be released once available."
An eyewitness explained that “very very big bangs” were heard before the fire engulfed the storage building.
They told the Liverpool Echo: "Me and my family heard very very big bangs while we were in bed.
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"We looked out the window and literally saw the fire from our window, we thought people might have been hurt in the fire so we drove down.
"There were a lot of people there watching as it spread, we got back into the car and there was a massive bang and explosion my mum had to swerve in the road because it was so loud, then metal parts and other pieces of rubble landed on the road from the fire."