Cheshire East Council has issued a mild warning to local residents, following the "possibility" of asbestos being disturbed in the Crewe printworks fire.

Following the incident on Frances Street/ Catherine Street, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service continue to work in the area and although the fire is damping down, they are working to expose remaining hotspots and extinguish these. 

The council is now able to access some of the surrounding area to begin to undertake an assessment, as well as bringing in specialists to determine whether there are any ongoing risks.

Cleaning crews and other officers are currently working to assess and remove any remaining dust and debris from the incident. 

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: "Although the impact to public health is minimal, there is always the possibility asbestos containing materials may have been disturbed during the fire and building collapse.  

"If you do find any ash or suspect debris from the fire (such as corrugated roofing, drainpipes or sheets) on your property, please do not touch it and call the council on 0300 123 5025. 

"Please be reassured the risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos following a fire involving materials containing asbestos. 

"Residents who were advised to evacuate properties during the fire were asked to do so as a precautionary measure due to proximity to the fire, not because of any concerns relating to asbestos. 

READ MORE: 12-year-old boy arrested following huge Crewe printworks blaze.

"There is no direct evidence of long-term health risks from fires involving asbestos containing materials, but it is sensible that any asbestos-containing ash or debris is removed to minimise any potential exposure.

"If residents do find any ash from the fire on their property, it is safe for it to be dampened down using water, and either gently flush away small particles to the drain or wearing protective gloves (to prevent scratches), damp them down first and pick up larger pieces carefully and place them within two plastic bags, one within the other (double bag), seal the bags and take it to Crewe household waste recycling centre at Pyms Lane, or call the number above to ask any questions.

"Please do not sweep up or vacuum debris as this could create airborne dust containing ash and other materials from the fire which increases the likelihood of breathing it in.

"If anybody came into contact with the smoke plume this may have caused them to have had breathing difficulties, watery eyes, coughing and a sore throat.

"If residents experience any symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, watery eyes or cough following the fire please contact your GP or NHS 111."

Cheshire East has arranged alternative accommodation for those households who are unable to return home due to the emergency cordon and have nowhere else to go.

The Emergency Rest Centre at the Crewe Lifestyle Centre has now closed. 

If residents have any concerns Cheshire East can help with, call: 0300 123 5025 to ask for assistance.