SCORES of residents were evacuated from their homes last night when a major blaze broke out in a set of garages off Winwick Street.

At its height more than 70 firefighters were tackling the blaze opposite Evans House on Norman Street which broke out at 7pm.

A 200 metre exclusion zone was quickly set up after it became clear there were a number of gas cylinders near to the source of the blaze.

Throughout Tuesday evening the A49 Loushers Lane was closed off, as was a large part of Orford Lane.

Firefighters from across Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester were called to the incident and Cheshire police were also on hand to help with public safety.

Residents on St Peters Way were immediately evacuated from their homes because of safety concerns and at 11.30pm last night some were still unable to get back into their properties.

A number of cars parked nearby also had to be abandoned for the evening.

Cheshire fire service was still at the scene this morning.

For more on this story and photo's of the blaze read tomorrow's Warrington Guardian.

* Do you have photos of the blaze on Tuesday evening? If so email them to reporter Helen Cartwright at hcartwright@guardiangrp.co.uk