Firefighters tackle blaze at historic pub near Knutsford

Firefighters have spent the night tackling a large blaze at a histori pub near Knutsford.

Dozens of crews have been at the scene of The Smoker in Plumley since yesterday evening, with crews focussing on the historic building's thatched roof, which is alight.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue say fire engines from across the county, as well as Greater Manchester, were called at 5.30pm, with the pub evacuated and the A556 closed in both directions.

In their latest update posted on social media last night, they said: "We are still in attendance at a fire involving a thatched public house, situated on the A556 near Northwich. Crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the night and into tomorrow morning. Police and Highways Agency are currently dealing with road closures in the area."

People living nearby are being told to avoid the area, and to close their windows and doors because of the smoke.

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