Leicester fire: Smoke billows over city as 10 engines battle 'major' blaze

A major has broken out in Leicester with firefighters from across the county battling the flames. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue have been at the scene in Coleman Road after the service was called to reports of the blaze on Friday (April 18).

Road closures have been put in place and locals advised to keep their windows and doors closed. Robinson Road, Haynes Road, Exton Road and Beatty Avenue have all been affected by the closures. The junction at Coleman Road and Uppingham Road is also closed, according to police.

Leicestershire Fire Control posted on X: "We are currently dealing with a large industrial fire in the Coleman Road area of the city. Please ensure you keep your doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke in the area."

The fire is in the Evington suburb to the east of the city. Leicestershire Police has been directing the road closures, which were still in place at about 9.45pm on Friday.

The emergency services received several calls to the blaze at an industrial unit in the city.

Leicestershire Fire Control said 10 fire appliances, an aerial ladder and turntable ladder platforms as well as several other special support appliances and officers were sent to the scene.

Video posted on social media shows clouds of grey smoke billowing from behind a building. The footage shows teams of firefighters unravelling hoses and police directing traffic away from the scene.

Crews can be seen directing jets of water at the flames through the windows of the building with one firefighter at the top of a ladder aiming water through the roof.

The road appears full of police cars, fire engines and ambulances, with stunned locals looking on.

Firefighters from Billesdon, Birstall, Central, Eastern, Loughborough, Melton and Oakham stations have all been involved in the battle to put the fire out.