A huge fire has erupted near the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield, with locals living nearby urged to shut their doors and windows. Pictures from the scene show huge balls of flames and what appear to be explosions also coming from the site.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has deployed fire engines to Meadowhall Road, with the incident beginning at around 8.45pm. A fire service spokesperson said: "The fire is causing a large plume of smoke in the area. Please stay away from the area whilst we carry out our work. And if you live nearby, keep your windows and doors closed." The blaze "involves a warehouse" close to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, the fire service said. Some nearby shops were evacuated as a precaution, but the fire did not involve the shopping centre, the Daily Express understands. There are currently 10 fire engines at the scene.

THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.

Visit express.co.uk for live updates.