A main road is blocked off after a fire broke out in a flat.
Emergency services are currently on Smithdown Place in Liverpool following a blaze. Traffic management system Inrix states Penny Lane is closed in both directions due to the building fire.
Firefighters were alerted at 5.11pm and three fire engines and an aerial appliance arrived on scene at 5.21pm. Arriva North West said there are also a number of diversions in place.
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19:49Olivia Williams
Bus services resume as normal
19:44Olivia Williams
Damage can be seen
Damage can be seen inside the building, which is understood to be a flat.
Black soot can be appears to cover the walls inside.
19:38Olivia Williams
People evacuated from the scene
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said people were also evacuated from adjacent properties.
In a statement, they said:
Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus (BA) were committed with one hose reel jet. Fire Service personnel also evacuated the adjacent properties.
The fire has now been extinguished. Two firefighters in BA are dampening down and checking loft space of the affected dwelling and the adjacent property for fire and/or smoke spread.
Mechanical ventilation is in progress and crews are monitoring any hot spots. The aerial appliance is being set up to monitor the roof of the affected flat.
This is an ongoing incident, please avoid the area.
19:35Olivia Williams
When blaze broke out
Firefighters were alerted at 5.11pm and three fire engines and an aerial appliance arrived on scene at 5.21pm.
19:30Olivia Williams
Fire located
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the building is three-storey high and consists of a shop to the ground floor and flats above.
The fire broke out on the second floor of the building, understood to be a flat.
19:25Olivia Williams
Pictures of the scene
This is what the scene currently looks like.
19:05Olivia Williams
Police and fire engines at the scene
Pictures of the scene shows two fire engines and a police van at the scene.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed three fire engines and an aerial appliance are at the scene.
19:00Olivia Williams
Bus diversions
Arriva North West posted on X, formerly Twitter, to say there are a number of bus diversions in place.
The number 68 towards Bootle diverted via Queens Drive and Woolton Road, resuming its route at Church Road. The 62 terminated at Picton Clock and and restarted at Mill Lane.
18:58Olivia Williams
Penny Lane blocked
Penny Lane is blocked in both directions, accordinig to traffic management system Inrix.
It said: “Penny Lane in both directions blocked due to building fire between A562 Allerton Road and Oakdale Road.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
