Fire crews are tackling a blaze at a takeaway on Smithdown Road in Liverpool, with police cordoning off both ends of the road. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 10.04pm on Sunday and arrived six minutes later, deploying eight fire engines and one aerial appliance.
An eyewitness reported hearing a 'huge explosion' from the back of the buildings before firefighters arrived. Residents described seeing smoke rising from the takeaway near Barrington Road, with one neighbour saying it was 'like a bomb' had gone off. The fire has spread to the chimney and roof, causing a ceiling collapse.
Police have also closed side streets Kenmare Road and Claremont Road. A number of residents and businesses have been evacuated as a precaution. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: 'On arrival this was a fire within a property, two firefighters in breathing apparatus were committed under rapid deployment with one hose reel jet to fight the fire. This incident has been sectorised, and the fire has spread to the chimney into the roof above. Crews are continuing to fight the fire internally and externally.'
The incident remains ongoing, with fire crews still at the scene.
