HUGE palls of black smoke drifted over the city of Sheffield yesterday from a fire involving 2,000 tons of waste plastics in a disused industrial unit.

More than 40 firefighters were called out to deal with the fire, which was reported at about 10pm on Wednesday, and 25 were still in action yesterday at the site in Station Road in the Ecclesfield district of the city.

At its height, the fire spread, damaging a neighbouring car paint-spraying unit.

Police closed several roads close to the fire and firefighters advised local people to stay indoors with their windows closed for safety’s sake, though South Yorkshire Fire Service said there were no known toxic materials involved in the blaze.

Environment and public health officials were working with the Fire Service on plans to “minimise pollution in the local area.”

Crews were expected to remain on the site today as they  dealt with the aftermath of the blaze.