Smoke seen as large fire hits city recycling centre

Smoke from the fire was visible across large parts of the city

Emergency services are at the scene of a large fire at a recycling centre in Leicester.

Emergency services were alerted on Monday morning to flames at a metal recycling centre in Ulverscroft Road and smoke was seen drifting across part of the city.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it has eight engines and several "special appliances" at the scene and told nearby residents to keep windows closed.

Some residents had been advised not to drink water from taps, but both Severn Trent and police later confirmed water is safe to drink in the area.

More than 40 firefighters are tackling the blaze, the fire service said

Ulverscroft Road is currently closed between the junctions of Catherine Street and Forest Road.

There are currently no reports of any injuries or indications as to the cause of the fire.

In a statement, the fire service said: "LFRS is dealing with a large-scale fire incident on Ulverscroft Road; currently eight fire appliances and over 40 firefighters are in attendance dealing with the fire.

"Safety advice for local residents - please keep doors and windows closed."

A Severn Trent spokesperson added: "We would like to reassure all our customers in the Leicester area that our network is working as it should be and we haven't issued a do not drink notice in connection with the ongoing fire at a recycling centre in Ulverscroft Road, Leicester.

"We do have a team on site assisting Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service with water pressure and flows for the fire, but this is standard procedure in incidents of this scale."