Road closed as crews called to major building fire

A large fire has broken out on an industrial estate in Leicester.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) was called to a bakery in Cobden Street at 11:52 GMT on Thursday.

Access to the street has been blocked while five appliances, including an aerial ladder platform, are used to tackle the fire.

The fire service said it was advising residents to keep all windows and doors closed.

A cordon is in place around the scene of the fire

Dean Pidcock, group manager of operational response at LFRS, said the incident was being scaled down at about 14:30 but added crews were "still dealing with a very serious fire which is very hard to reach".

He added: "We're taking precautions that the corrugated roofing might be asbestos but it's not confirmed."

An investigation into the fire will take place, he said.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "We are liaising with LFRS regarding the fire and concerns that water runoff could enter nearby drainage systems and watercourses and cause pollution.

"Currently we are providing advice and guidance on management of this risk remotely. This is due to the risk of asbestos in the immediate area."

Leicestershire Police said it was assisting the fire service in the area and that there were a number of road closures in place in Freehold Street, Birstall Street and Cobden Street.