A major emergency response was launched after a large fire tore through a building on Fegg Hayes Road in Fegg Hayes, Stoke-on-Trent, sending huge plumes of thick black smoke high into the sky.

Multiple crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene, where firefighters battled the blaze for several hours.

Image: World News Bureau

Police also attended and cordoned off parts of Fegg Hayes Road while emergency services worked to bring the incident under control.

The dramatic smoke cloud could be seen from several miles away, prompting concern among residents across Stoke-on-Trent, including nearby areas such as Chell, Packmoor and Tunstall. Crowds gathered near the scene as firefighters continued tackling the flames.

Motorists were advised to avoid Fegg Hayes Road and surrounding routes while emergency operations remained ongoing, with road closures causing disruption in the area.

At the time of publication, the cause of the fire has not been confirmed and there are no immediate reports of any injuries.

Fire investigators are expected to examine the scene once it is declared safe.

Emergency services have urged members of the public to stay away from the area and allow crews to continue their work safely.

Investigations into the cause of the blaze remain ongoing.