Bristol fire: Blaze breaks out at disused Whitchurch sports centre

Firefighters have scaled back their response to a large fire at a former sports centre.

Avon Fire and Rescue were called to Whitchurch Lane in Bristol, at about 09:51 BST on Wednesday.

Twelve crews initially attended before being reduced to seven later.

Residents in Paddock Garden were evacuated as a precaution and allowed to return by late afternoon, although the road remains closed to traffic, a fire service spokesperson said.

A large cloud of smoke could be seen by passengers travelling from Bristol Airport

The service said it expected crews would remain at the scene into the evening and an investigation into the cause of the blaze would start on Thursday morning.

There are no reported injuries, and fire crews are checking for hotspots using thermal imaging cameras.

Road closures in Bamfield between Whitchurch Lane and Briery Leaze Road, and on Whitchurch Lane from Dakota Drive to Longway Avenue remain in place.

Part of Court Farm Road between Whitchurch Lane and Belland Drive is also still closed.

Homes in Paddock Garden were evacuated

Marie Barnes, who lives near the disused leisure centre on Whitchurch Lane, said: "I thought it was a grey cloud and then five minutes later my husband came and said it's on fire.

"I can hear pops and bangs and some homes are now being evacuated."

Declan Hunter-Reed, who also lives on the road said: "I have witnessed explosions coming out of the roof."

Bus service, First West of England, confirmed routes had been affected due to the fire, with the number 92 not running between Belland Drive and Hengrove Park, and the M1 unable to serve the Paddock Gardens, Thurlestone and Alverstoke stops.

Bamfield is closed in both directions while crews work to tackle the fire