Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at a mill close to Strangeways prison in Manchester.

Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen across the city as crews battled the fire at the building on Southall Street.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said 10 fire engines had been sent to the scene, and added that part of the building had collapsed.

The fire comes just over 24 hours after a blaze ripped through another mill in Greater Manchester, with families forced to evacuate their homes in Greenfield Lane, Rochdale, on Monday night.

People who had spotted the smoke from Wednesday’s fire speculated on social media over whether it was coming from HMP Manchester, but the fire service said it was at a nearby mill containing household furnishings. Crews were called at 4.51am.

A spokesman said: “The upper floors and roof of the mill containing furniture is well alight.

“Crews are tackling the blaze from height using two hydraulic platforms and multiple jets.

“Nearby roads are currently closed so please avoid the area if possible.”