Hull dock fire: Firefighters rush to tackle ship blaze as billows of smoke soar over Humber

Four fire engines, an aerial platform, Hull Coastguard Rescue Team and an ambulance were called to attend the incident.

The vessel, unofficially identified as the Altay, was built in 2006 and flies under the flag of the Marshall Islands.

Altay has been docked in Hull for the past few days, having arrived at the Humber dock on June 23.

The fire is believed to have started in the vessel's cargo hold.

The vessel, which was carrying scrap metal, was quickly abandoned by crewmembers.

However, a spokesman for Humberside Fire & Rescue confirmed that all of the crewmembers have since been accounted for.

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Following a check-over by ambulance crews, Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We were alerted to a fire on a large vessel in Albert Dock, Hull on Friday morning and a number of ambulance resources were dispatched to the scene.

"Occupants from the vessel were checked over by ambulance staff. An ambulance and team leader remain on scene as a precautionary measure."

Associated British Ports, which runs Albert Dock, said: "We are currently aware of a fire on a vessel in the location of a tenanted area, and we are assisting the fire service with the response."

The incident comes just months after a maritime disaster off the coast of Hull between a cargo ship and an oil tanker.

Humberside Police has also confirmed that English Street, Wellington Street, Humber Dock, Kingston Retail Park, Marina and Jackson Street have all been closed as a result of the incident.

The Big Malarkey Festival at East Park was later evacuated as a precautionary measure, Hull City Council said.

Rugby league giants Hull Kingston Rovers also encouraged fans of the Robins to "allow extra time to travel" to Craven Park ahead of tonight's Super League clash with Trinity.

Hull residents confirmed that plumes of smoke had covered the city less than an hour after the fire broke out.

Smoke billowed across from Hull's Albert Dock towards Hull College and Murdoch's Connection over the A63.

Posting in Hull Traffic and Travel, a witness said: "I've been smelling every plug socket and computer at work wondering if it’s in my building. I hope everyone is okay on the docks."

Someone else said: "I''ve just had to close all my windows. Wondered what the burning smell was."

Posting an update at 12.15pm, the fire service said: "Smoke from the ongoing incident is drifting into Hull city centre.

"Please keep windows and doors closed, and be mindful if you are out and about in the city centre."

Closed roads have also prompted traffic diversions, with Stagecoach East Midlands confirming its service is diverting via Drypool Bridge onto Great Union Street.

Other local institutions later announced closures due to the blaze.

Hull Museums said: "All of the museum site have closed due to the fire on Albert Dock.

"We apologise for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience and cooperation in this time."

Concerns about transport sparked National Highways to enter into "communication" with Humberside Police.