Two more gas cylinders were discovered in the debris of the partly disused factory on Crossley Street on Tuesday morning, resulting in people living on nearby Leach Street and Bealey Close remaining evacuated.

Flames shot hundreds of feet into the air and a series of explosions rocked the area just off Hyde Road during the massive blaze on Monday afternoon.

At the time of the fire more than 200 homes had to be evacuated as up to 70 firefighters fought the inferno using aerial platforms.

Evacuated residents congregated at Emmanuel Parish Church on Blackwin Street and the nearby Somerfield car park on Hyde Road.

More than 40 people who were unable to stay with friends and family were taken to the Belle Vue Leisure Centre late on Monday night where they were provided with temporary beds in the main sports hall.

Some people were allowed back into their homes on Tuesday as the fire had become contained, but as more gas cylinders were discovered a few residents were unable to return as the gas needed to be cooled for 24 hours.

Gordon Stubbs, Senior Manager of the Belle Vue Leisure Centre, said: "There were around 43 people that stayed on Monday night and there were eight that remained for a second night.

"People that were asked to leave their homes ended up in various places, in Somerfield car park and the church so we got everyone to go to the church and picked them up from there and drove them here.

"What we have offered is very basic, some blow up beds and a blanket and we have provided them with breakfast and lunch."

Young evacuee, Stephen Bardsley, 19 from Leach Street, said: "We had to stand out on the street for hours which isn't really on.

"Even standing in the house you could feel the heat from the fire and felt it on the floor.

"We didn't sleep much that night.

"They are putting us up in the Britannia Hotel in Northenden for our second night, but we've already lost a day's work and the hotel is too far away, so we don't know what to do really.

"The police have said that we should be able to go back to our homes tomorrow (Wednesday) but we're not sure."

May Olley, 69, who was also evacuated from Leach Street, said: "It was all very frightening, but the leisure centre has been very good, I couldn't fault them.

"We watched the fire and it was getting worse and all the cars outside were being lit up. The police then came knocking on our doors telling us to get out right now.

"I didn't even have time to get my medication which I need for my diabetes, so I had to get the policewoman to go in and get it for me. We were then pushed back by the police.

"We heard that people were going to the Emmanuel Church so we asked a policeman where it was, but he didn't know, so we sat on the car park wall in the Somerfield car park.

"We were picked up by a mini bus and brought to the leisure centre and they have given us some clothes to wear and have given us food and drink, they've been brilliant.

"We all knew each other anyway from living on the same street, but we have all pulled together."

The eldest person to be evacuated for a second night was Sheila Platt, 78, also from Leach Close, she said: "I was out shopping at the time, so I got back home and everyone was stood outside I didn't have a clue what was going on.

"We've not been allowed back to our homes yet to check if they are ok but the police said that they are looking after them.

"The centre have been brilliant, but last night was not a comfortable sleep, you get down and I couldn't get up again because it was on the floor. It will be better at the hotel."

Remaining closed roads, Yale Road and Gorton Road were expected to reopen yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, there have been no reported injuries and an investigation will be launched shortly.