Crews facing 'very challenging' blaze at scrap metal facility

Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene of a fire in east Belfast's dock area through the night.

The blaze, which saw smoke pour from scrap metal recycling facility Clearway Disposals, was reported shortly after midday on Wednesday.

More than 50 firefighters then worked overnight to control the blaze, which earlier in the day forced a cruise ship to leave early.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the cause of the fire was currently under investigation, but suspected it may have been started by lithium-ion batteries.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said he has asked Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA) to open a formal investigation.

"The question needs to be asked - is there an issue with policy and regulation around the correct disposal of these batteries?," he said.

"This is having a huge impact on people who live and work in and around east Belfast," he added.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) area commander David Harbinson said the operation was "very challenging".

The site on East Twin Road contains about 4,500 tonnes of loose metal and cars.

"We're trying to break up the parts of scrap metal with heavy onsite machinery and firefighters are then using jets, a ground monitor and a high-reach aerial appliance to extinguish the fire," Harbinson told BBC News NI.

He said there had been two high-volume pumps in operation "because we do require an extensive amount of water to deal with this".

Firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the day.

Nearby residents and businesses have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed, while people have been asked to avoid the area.

"If you're driving past in a vehicle maybe turn off your air conditioning," Harbinson added.

"Equally, stay away from the area, allow your fire service to continue with their operations and be patient with us while we deal with this."

The Viking Sky Cruise ship moved on due to the smoke from the fire.

Belfast Harbour confirmed it departed three hours earlier than planned on Wednesday.

"The decision to depart rested with the captain and cruise operator," they added.

Harbinson said the cause of the fire was currently under investigation.

"But it is recognised across the UK and wider across the world that lithium-ion batteries are becoming a challenge for the fire sector so we would suspect that," he added.

On Wednesday, Belfast Harbour Police said it was working closely with NIFRS and staff at the facility.

Another fire broke out at the same Clearway Disposals site in May.