A mill is to be demolished as fire crews dampen down a blaze which led to the evacuation of nearby homes.

About 30 properties were evacuated as a precaution as more than 50 firefighters worked to stop the flames spreading in Greenfield Lane, Rochdale, on Monday night.

Bury and Rochdale Magistrates’ Court was opened as a shelter, but residents were soon allowed to return to their homes.

Pictures from the scene showed the building engulfed in fire, with flames visible from miles around. There were no reported injuries.

A mill fire in Greenfield Lane, Rochdale.
Flames rip through the building (Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service/PA)

The fire service said crews were called to the mill, which was used to store candles and vehicles, at just before 10.35pm on Monday.

On Tuesday, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said it had scaled down its operation overnight, but four fire engines and a hydraulic platform remain at the scene as the blaze is still not out.

The roof of the building has collapsed inwards and firefighters are arranging demolition of the building so they can reach the pockets of fire that remain inside the building, added GMFRS.

Station manager Nick Hince said: “Crews have made great progress and we have scaled back the incident overnight. Seats of fire remain in the building and will be difficult to reach until the building has been demolished.

“Smoke in the area has been reduced and is currently blowing away from local residents, but the safety advice remains the same – please keep your windows and doors closed if you live locally.

“One side of Queensway has reopened, but the other side remains closed so please avoid the area if you can. We are working hard to extinguish the fire completely so please bear with us as we do so.

“Crews will remain at the scene throughout the day but I would like to thank all of our firefighters and partner agencies who have worked throughout the night, helping us bring the blaze under control.”