FIREFIGHTERS have been called to a large fire close to a chemical plant in Runcorn.

Thick black smoke from the fire, close to junction 12 of the M56, could be seen rising above the area last night, Sunday.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed a large amount of plastic caught fire close to the Ineos site.

Crews were called to the scene, which was on wasteland, off Cholmondeley Road, shortly after 9.30pm.

Smoke could be seen for miles around the area, with residents reportedly seeing it from as far as Warrington.

The fire involved 100 metres by 100 metres of plastic ducting.

Crews from Runcorn, Widnes and Frodsham tackled the fire with three main jets and two hose reel jets.

Firefighters were at the scene for around one hour and 20 minutes.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Photo by John Hill

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Photo by Becky Hawkins

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Photo by Vic Addison