Firefighters are battling a huge fire at an industrial unit in Belfast.
A huge column of black smoke was seen rising from a metal recycling facility in the city’s Titanic quarter.
The inferno broke out at the Clearway industrial estate at around 1.30pm.
Locals have been warned the blaze may not be brought under control for ‘some time’ and have been advised to keep all doors and windows closed.
Footage posted to the social media platform X showed a man running along the dockside with flames towering behind him.
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The man came from the boat to tie it up before running back, witness Nathan Wilson said.
Passengers on a cruise ship docked at the port were also told to go inside.
One wrote on X: ‘Sitting on cruise ship – was sunning it, now told to go inside.’
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘IFRS are currently engaged in firefighting operations to extinguish a fire in a large quantity of scrap metal at East Twin Road, Belfast.
‘Operations will continue for some time. Members of the public are encouraged to stay away from the area and keep windows and doors closed.’
The blaze appears not to be affecting the nearby Belfast City Airport, with flights continuing to operate as normal.
Belfast Harbour Police added: ‘We’re working closely with PSNI, NIFRS, and staff of Clearway Disposals, following the outbreak of a fire at its facility.
‘Queen’s Road is closed to traffic and pedestrians. We advise local residents to keep windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area.’
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