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Manchester fire: Blaze breaks out at 12-storey apartment block in city's Northern Quarter Manchester fire: Blaze breaks out at 12-storey apartment block in city's Northern Quarter
(35 minutes later)
A large fire has broken out in a 12-storey apartment block in Manchester city centre. Fire crews are tackling a large blaze across several floors of a 12-storey apartment block in Manchester city centre.
Fire services said they were tackling a blaze on the 9th floor of the building and have urged people to stay away from Joiner Street in the city's Northern Quarter. One person has been taken to hospital after the fire broke out on the ninth floor of the building in Joiner Street in the city's Northern Quarter.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has sent 12 engines to the scene and warned people living nearby to close their doors and windows.Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has sent 12 engines to the scene and warned people living nearby to close their doors and windows.
Images posted on social media show smoke billowing out of the building while crowds of people watch on from below.Images posted on social media show smoke billowing out of the building while crowds of people watch on from below.
It is not yet known if there are any casualties. The fire service said on Twitter that crews were tackling flames "over a number of floors". 
The fire service tweeted: "We're currently tackling a fire on the 9th floor of a 12 storey building on Joiner Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter. It added: "One casualty has been taken to hospital suffer by smoke inhalation. 
"Please avoid the area if possible and keep windows and doors shut if you live nearby." "Please keep windows and door shut if you live locally and avoid the area if possible."
A witness told the Manchester Evening News: "It looks like a very big fire.A witness told the Manchester Evening News: "It looks like a very big fire.
"There are police and ambulances and fire engines everywhere."There are police and ambulances and fire engines everywhere.
"The fire is about half way up the building - it looks serious.""The fire is about half way up the building - it looks serious."
Another witness, Les Gunn, told BBC Radio Manchester: "The fire appears to have spread up about three floors and is now making its way towards a roof.Another witness, Les Gunn, told BBC Radio Manchester: "The fire appears to have spread up about three floors and is now making its way towards a roof.
"There are multiple fire appliances at the scene... numerous police and emergency vehicles as well. The fire service appear to be in the building.""There are multiple fire appliances at the scene... numerous police and emergency vehicles as well. The fire service appear to be in the building."
North West Ambulance Service said it had sent seven ambulances and a hazardous area response team to the scence. North West Ambulance Service said it had sent seven ambulances and a hazardous area response team to the scene. A spokeswoman did not yet know anyone had been treated by paramedics.
Greater Manchester Police has cordoned off an area around the building between High Street and Tib Street.Greater Manchester Police has cordoned off an area around the building between High Street and Tib Street.
Pat Karney, a Manchester councillor who went to the scene after the fire broke out, tweeted soon after 5pm that the blaze "seems to have been put out".
Lucy Powell, Labour MP for Manchester Central, said: "He and the council will ensure that anyone evacuated will have somewhere to stay. All fire and response procedures have kicked in. Again, please stay away from area to allow services access."