Firefighters in Belfast are tackling a blaze in the city's docks area.

The fire, at a scrap metal recycling business on East Twin Road, started shortly before 1pm.

Thick black smoke billowed high into the sky throughout the afternoon as a number of crews tackled the fire.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said there are "currently over 50 firefighters, 6 appliances and additional specialist appliances, which include a specialist command unit, aerial high reach appliances and high volume pumps have been deployed" at the scene.

NIFRS said firefighters had prevented the blaze spreading to on-site buildings, equipment and to a neighbouring site.

"Residents are being asked to keep windows closed. This will be protracted incident and it is expected that firefighting operations will be ongoing over the next few days," NIFRS said in a statement.