Council leader issues urgent statement following huge Manchester fire
The derelict Hotspur Press building was destroyed in Monday's blaze
The leader of Manchester City Council has issued an urgent statement following a huge fire in the city centre.
The blaze ripped through the derelict Hotspur Press building on Monday, bringing trains at Oxford Road station to a halt.
Emergency services also had to evacuate two nearby apartment block as they battled to bring the fire under control.
Council leader Bev Craig said: "We've been working closely with emergency response colleagues this evening following the major fire incident at the Hotspur Press building. Evacuated residents are now being supported at a nearby rest centre.
"A cordon remains around Cambridge Street along with local road closures, and we thank people for taking fire service advice to avoid the area while crews continue to work at the site. Those living nearby should also continue to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke.
"A final thank you to the city's emergency personnel for their ongoing efforts tonight, acting quickly to keep the fire under control and keeping our residents safe."
Firefighters were on the scene of the fire overnight into Tuesday, and are still asking people nearby to keep doors and windows shut.
All rail lines through Oxford Road have since reopened, although National Rail is warning of residual delays.