Fire crews tackle blaze at former council building in Rutherglen

The fire broke out at around 23:00 on Thursday

Firefighters have been working through the night to tackle a blaze at a former council building in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.

Five nearby flats were evacuated as a precaution as crews dealt with the fire in King Street, the fire service said.

The fire was reported shortly after 23:00 on Thursday. No-one is thought to have been injured.

King Street has been closed and people living nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors shut.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "As some residents had to be evacuated, we arranged for Rutherglen Town Hall to be opened as a rest centre and a small number had to be accommodated for the night.

"Some roads remain closed, and officers will be active in the area to provide further assistance as required."

The spokeswoman said seven fire appliances and two height vehicles were sent to the scene, and crews were continuing work to extinguish the fire.

She added: "Due to smoke in the area, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

"Drivers and pedestrians are also advised to avoid the area as roads around the scene remain closed and to allow access for emergency service vehicles.

"There are no reported casualties at this time."