A massive fire following an “explosion” in Nottingham is sending a huge plume of smoke above the city centre.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has received multiple calls about the blaze, which was first reported at around 11.30am, Nottinghamshire Live reports.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Our joint fire control are receiving a large number of calls about this incident but please rest assured we are aware of the incident.
“If you live nearby please keep your windows and doors closed as there is a large smoke plume.”
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People living in a block of flats next to the abandoned warehouse where the fire broke out reported hearing a huge blast.
Vedant Thakur, among those standing in the street after being evacuated, said: “I was cooking and I heard this blast.
“It was really loud and almost shook my legs. In the first instance I thought it was the weather because of the black clouds. I came down and saw people recording something and got scared.”
He said he was told to leave the area by police, who warned him there may be other possible explosions. He said: “It was scary. I saw smoke and everything.”
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Nottinghamshire Police have said the blaze is in a derelict building.
A statement said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a fire in a derelict building on Curzon Street in Nottingham city centre.
“The incident happened at around 11.28am today (Sunday 31 May). Police and fire crews are currently at the scene, and a number of cordons will be place around Huntingdon Street and Curzon Street.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known. There are no reports of any injuries. As a precaution, we are looking at evacuating a number of properties on the street.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We are asking people to avoid the area while the incident is being dealt with.”