Huge fire rips through Liverpool building 'on verge of collapse' as blazing inferno seen across city
A huge fire has broken out near Liverpool city centre as smoke can be seen for miles, according to witnesses
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A huge blaze has broken out in Liverpool as plumes of smoke can be seen across the city centre.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire at a four storey building on Fox Street just after 2.15pm this afternoon.
Witnesses claim the building is an empty "construction site".
The fire service has confirmed that the building is "showing signs of collapse" and fire crews are evacuating surrounding buildings.
Smoke can be seen from Everton's stadium, Goodison Park
Reuters
Pictures online show huge flames engulfing a building and smoke can reportedly be seen as far as the Wirral.
Emergency services are in attendance at the scene with 12 fire engines and two aerial appliances.
A cordon is in place around the building and the wider area, and roads have been closed including Great Homer Street, Fox Street, Rose Place, Great Richmond Street, Richmond Brow, Netherfield Road South, Everton Brow and Prince Edwin Street.
The fire service is urging people to avoid the area and nearby residents and businesses to close windows and doors.
Smoke was spotted billowing over Everton's Goodison Park ahead of their FA Cup clash with Luton Town.
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There are no reports of casualties, the fire service said.
A fire service spokesperson said: "Fire crews have been called to a large fire on Fox Street, Liverpool City Centre, L3. 12 fire engines and two aerial appliances are in attendance.
"Crews were alerted at 2.18pm and on scene at 2.23pm. Crews arrived to find a four storey building 100 metres x 50 metres well alight.
"The incident has been divided into sectors, with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fighting the fire with main branch hoses.
Smoke was spotted billowing over Everton's Goodison Park ahead of their FA Cup clash with Luton Town
Reuters
"The building is showing signs of collapse and fire crews are evacuating buildings.
"The incident is ongoing. Please avoid the area. Residents and businesses nearby should close windows and doors.
"If you have an existing health condition, keep medicines nearby and if any ill effects occur dial NHS 111 for advice."