Derby fire: Large blaze tears through city centre warehouse

Derby Fire and Rescue Service says no one was reported to have been in the building

(DFRS)

Fire crews tackled a large blaze at a warehouse in Derby city centre early on Tuesday morning.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) responded to reports of a fire at the Friar Gate Goods Yard, in Stafford Street, at around 1.13am.

Pictures from the scene show flames tearing through the building, while thick plumes of smoke can be seen billowing into the night sky.

The fire forced the closure of several roads in the area including Stafford Street, Uttoxeter New Road, Agard Street, Friar Gate and Great Northern Road.

Friar Gate road, which runs near the warehouse, remains closed to cars and pedestrians as emergency services seek to make the area safe.

DFRS said no one was reported to have been inside the building, which has been derelict for some time. The fire is now under control, the DFRS added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Derbyshire Armed Response Unit (DARU) warned the public to stay away from the scene and to keep their windows shut.

The force wrote in a tweet: "Lots of smoke over Derby city centre while @DerbyshireFRS deal with a large fire at the old bonded warehouse on Friargate goods yard.

"We’ve just caught people trying to get into the site to have a look. Please keep away from the area and keep your windows closed."