Quayside businesses have been evacuated following a blaze at a warehouse.

Firecrews were called out this afternoon to a unit on South Quay, Douglas, occupied by a concrete screed company.

Staff from surrounding buildings were evacuated and a police cordon put around the area between the swing bridge and the ATS bridge.

Small explosions could be heard as equipment inside caught fire.

Three fire engines from Douglas and one from Laxey attended the blaze, together with the aerial ladder platform. The pump from Castletown was also put on stand-by.

It is understood that the fire has been brought under control and firefighters have now entered the building.

Due to the amount of black smoke in the area, emergency services advised those in properties in the area to close any windows and doors.

People have been asked to avoid South Quay.

A fire service spokesman said: ’Fire service are currently dealing with a Fire in South Quay, Douglas.

'Please avoid the area whilst emergency services deal with the incident.’