Dozens of firefighters are tackling a blaze in an industrial chimney which has caused enormous black clouds of smoke to fill the sky.

The fire started in the tower at Birkenhead Waste Water Treatment Works, in Merseyside.

Dramatic video shows plumes of thick smoke billowing into the air, yesterday (6).

Three fire engines were dispatched to the site operated by United Utilities.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “We can confirm that the fire service is assisting us with a localised electrical fire at our Birkenhead wastewater treatment works. No one has been injured.”

Residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed following the incident.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are currently in attendance at an industrial chimney fire on Shore Road, Birkenhead.

"Crews were alerted at 1.04pm and on scene at 1.08pm. Three fire engines are in attendance.

"On arrival crews found an industrial chimney tower to be well alight.

"There is a large volume of smoke and nearby residents and businesses should keep windows and doors closed. Anyone with existing medical conditions should keep medicines nearby and call NHS 111 if ill effects occur.

"Please avoid the area.

"The incident is ongoing."