A huge fire ripped through a former printworks factory in Crewe, with emergency services at the site.

The blaze at the old Communisis, Frances Street (measuring around 70m x 90m), started around 4:15pm.

A cordon is currently in place on Nantwich Road, Bedford Street, Frances Street and Catherine Street while Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service deal with the incident.

A cordon is currently in place on Nantwich Road, Bedford Street, Frances Street and Catherine Street while Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service deal with the incident (Steve O'Neill).

At 5:30pm, ond fire engine from Crewe, Nantwich, Audlem, Winsford, Northwich, Lymm, and Congleton, a high reach extending turret (HRET) scorpion from Macclesfield, and an aerial ladder platform from Lymm tackled the blaze.

A number of homes were evacuated to Crewe Alexandra FC and Crewe Lifestyle Centre as a precautionary measure.

At 7pm, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed 15 fire engines, plus a number of special appliances, including a water bower and a high volume pump were at the scene (10 fire engines by 12am).

Then at 8pm, the incident was split into four sectors, with specialist appliances, breathing apparatus and and hose reel jets being used.

At 9:10pm, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were making "good progress' tackling the flames.

At 11pm, many evacuees were told they were not allowed back into their homes tonight.

A number of homes have also been evacuated to Crewe Alexandra FC as a precautionary measure. There are no reports of any injuries at this time (Ryan Parker).

A rest centre has been set up at Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

An electrical substation near to the disused building was also affected, impacting other neighbouring properties.

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight, with two fire engines and its high reach extending turret (HRET) scorpion and command unit.

Those nearby are encouraged to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke plume.

Superintendent, Claire Jesson, said: "I would like to reassure local residents his is believed to be an isolated incident, not linked to the recent disorder we've seen elsewhere in the country.

"A large number of officers are in attendance at the scene to manage road closures and provide reassurance to the community.

Local residents are encouraged to keep their doors and windows closed (Ben Wye).

"While our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tackle the fire, we would urge residents in the nearby area are advised to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed at this time.

"I would also ask people not to congregate at the scene as it could hamper our response to this incident."

Communisis, which employed just over 1,000 people in the UK and around 200 overseas, fell into administration last December.

In June, plans were submitted to knock the building down. Work had not yet started on demolition before the fire.

The disused building has been occupied by a number of famous businesses for over a century, including The Crewe Stationery Company and McCorquodale Printers Crewe.

The former Commusis building before the fire. Photo taken in June 2024 (Ryan Parker)

It was also once the headquarters of The Daily Express northern edition.

In June, Cheshire Police discovered the site been converted into a sophisticated, large-scale cannabis farm.

READ MORE: New jobs available in Crewe this week: The White Lion Weston, Nub News and CeX.

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