'Avoid the area' warning issued as fire breaks out in St Helens - live updates

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have since issued an update on the fire.

It said the main body of fire was extinguished by around 6.45am after crews made "good progress."

Crews continued to damp down and check for hot spots and measures were taken by crews to prevent water run off from the incident entering the water course.

The incident was scaled down to two fire engines at around 8am.

A cordon is in place following the fire.

Pictures taken at the scene also show police officers in attendance.

[The scene on Merton Street in St Helens]

The scene on Merton Street in St Helens(Image: Liverpool ECHO)

Merseyside Police said due to the ongoing fire around Lock Street and Merton Street, residents are advised to keep all windows and doors closed.

According to traffic management system Inrix, Merton Bank Road is closed in both directions.

There is slow traffic in the surrounding area from Wood Street to Hinckley Road.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is currently in attendance at an incident on Merton Street, St Helens.

"Crews were alerted at 3.58am and arrived on scene at 4.03am, with five fire engines and an aerial appliance in attendance.

"Crews arrived to find a single storey industrial building partially involved in fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus immediately began tackling the fire with a hose reel jet.

"The incident it ongoing. Due to a large amount smoke from this incident, local residents should keep doors and windows closed. If you have an existing medical condition keep medicines to hand and if any ill effects are experienced dial NHS 111 for advice."

The scene of the industrial building fire is Merton Street, St Helens.

This Google map shows the location of Merton Street in St Helens.

Local residents are being warned to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke.

[Google map view of Merton Street in St Helens]

Google map view of Merton Street in St Helens(Image: Google Maps)

An industrial building has gone up in flames in St Helens this morning.

Emergency services including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police are currently at the scene of the blaze on Merton Street, St Helens.

Five fire engines attended the scene, after crews were called around 3.58am on Wednesday, August 19.

The incident is ongoing this morning and local residents are being warned to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage.

An industrial building has gone up in flames on Merton Street in St Helens this morning, with emergency services currently at the scene.

This is an ongoing incident and we'll bring you live updates as we get them below.