HORROR INFERNO Liverpool fire: Fears four-storey building could COLLAPSE as major blaze sparks evacuation & black smoke engulfs skyline
A MAJOR fire erupted near Liverpool city centre - with one building "showing signs of collapse" following the horror blaze.
Firefighters were called to Fox Street shortly by 2.20pm on Saturday afternoon and arrived to find a four-storey building measuring 100 metres by 50 metres which was "well alight".
The building is showing signs of collapse and fire crews are evacuating buildings, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said.
Shocking photos and video footage showed plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky above the city - as rescue services declared a "major incident".
Videos and photos posted on social media by onlookers showed the inferno could be seen from miles away.
The road was closed and emergency services attended the scene.
No injuries have been reported.
In a statement, Merseyside Fire and Rescue 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.
"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."
In an update at 4pm, the fire crew announced that "the incident has been declared a major incident".
They added: "The fire is divided into 4 sectors, with ground monitor main branch hoses, multiple main branch hoses and a combined platform ladder in use. 12 fire engines and 2 aerial appliances are still on scene.
"Merseyside Police are also in attendance and are assisting MFRS with the evacuation of the building.
"A cordon is in place around the building and the wider area, with road closures in place.
"Road closures have been introduced on Great Homer Street, Fox Street, Rose Place, Great Richmond Street, Richmond Brow, Netherfield Road South, Everton Brow and Prince Edwin Street to allow emergency services to attend the scene.
"There are no reports of any casualties."
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