Birmingham fire: Huge smoke plumes seen over city centre

Cause of the fire is unknown

Smoke can be seen billowing over Birmingham (West Midlands Fire Service)

A fire has broken out in Birmingham's Wholesale Market in the city centre.

West Midlands Fire department have deployed 40 firefighters on eight engines, two of which are already on the scene, to the Wholesale Market on Pershore Street after being called at 2.10pm when shoppers and residents saw smoke.

Although it remains unclear what caused the fire, the local fire service has confirmed the blaze has been contained to the market and firefighters split into three teams to tackle the flames.

Birmingham city centre police inspector Gareth Morris posted on social media that it was a "large fire" and warned local residents to avoid the area. "Possible gas cyclinders inside building," he tweeted.

Firefighters and officers are on the scene "fighting the blaze," Insp Morris tweeted. He added that West Midlands Police did not believe at this stage there were people "trapped or on premises".

Roads around Birmingham Wholesale Market, one of the largest food markets in the UK, have been shut with motorists advised to also avoid the scene where a cordon has been set up.

Many offices have been engulfed by smoke, with workers tweeting pictures.

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