Leicester fire: Roads shut as major city centre blaze tackled

Firefighters were called to the building at about 05:15 BST

Several roads in Leicester city centre remain shut causing travel delays after a fire broke out at a former nightclub.

Firefighters were sent to the disused building in Gravel Street at about 05:15 BST following several reports of smoke coming from inside.

The city council has warned motorists disruption was "likely to continue for the rest of the day and overnight".

St Margaret's bus station also remains closed, causing disruption to public transport.

Firefighters are expected to be working at the scene for the majority of the day

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service sent seven engines and three aerial ladder platforms to the scene.

The fire service said the blaze was in the centre of the building and crews were likely be working at the scene for the majority of the day.

Those nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.

Several roads in the area were closed as crews tackled the blaze.

While Gravel St and Church Gate remain shut, ring road closures - St Matthews Way, Burleys Way and the flyover - have now been lifted.

However, motorists have been warned there was still disruption to travel into and from the city.

They been advised to allow longer times for necessary journeys and prepare for congestion.

People have been warned disruption in the area was expected to continue overnight into Wednesday

Leicester City Council said bus stops from St Margaret's bus station had been temporary relocated to neighbouring streets.

National Express coaches have been departing from Lee Circle and Vectare services from Charles Street.

Martin Fletcher, director of city highways at the council, said it was a "major incident", which was affecting city centre traffic.

"There are multiple road closures and disruption in the surrounding streets, which we expect will continue for the rest of Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday," he said.

"St Margaret's Bus Station will remain closed at present, but are working on contingency plans to enable access to nearby streets where it is safe to do so, and putting in place local diversions where possible for those businesses within the inner ring road."

He urged people to "avoid the area if possible".

Police have urged people to avoid the area

Just after 05:30 Leicestershire Police said Burleys Way, St Margaret's Way and Church Gate were closed.

About an hour later, St George's roundabout also closed city bound from St Matthews Way.

Area Traffic Control, run by the city council, said the road closures had caused "severe congestion".

People living nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke

Leicester College said it had closed its St Margaret's and Abbey Park sites due to the travel disruption.

It said food that had been prepared for the day was being distributed to the emergency services instead.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was in the centre of the building

The city council said it expected to take possession of the site on Wednesday once the fire was out.

"Our demolition team and equipment will be on site this afternoon to support the fire service by enabling access into the building if requested to do so," a council spokesperson said.

"We will then be able to start carrying a controlled demolition of the remaining building in order to make the area safe."