People feared trapped in massive Newcastle city centre fire

Firefighters are tackling a huge fire in Newcastle city centre where dozens of people are feared trapped. 

People are believed to be inside the building where the blaze was reported just after 8.45am this morning and fire crews have rushed to the scene on Cross Street, off Westgate Road. It is thought the fires started in poster and print shop, the Kard Bar.

There are reports that the building is on the verge of collapse

Police have urged the public to avoid the area as up to 55 firefighters attempt to bring the blaze under control near to the vibrant Clayton Street and the O2 Academy in the heart of Newcastle's shopping district.

Firefighters tackle the enormous blaze

The fire service say there are still persons reported missing and firefighters are searching the building using breathing apparatus, while the building appears to be burnt out with the roof and windows destroyed.

The smoke has been visible across the city this morning

The city centre is on lockdown by police while the blaze is ongoing, while homes, businesses and streets near the fire were evacuated as the emergency services tried to bring it under control.

Nearly 60 firefighters are on the scene

Large plumes of black smoke are filling the air around the city centre as the flames spread through the shop and can be seen throughout the city.

Because of the smoke, fire alarms in the nearby Royal Victoriam Infirmary went off, but patients were not forced to evacuate.

Smoke billowing into the sky could be seen for miles around as the flames engulfed the shop and the flats above in the precariously-poised building..

Onlooker James Mitchell, 29, said: “There are bricks falling off. It looks like the roof is going to cave in.”
Stewart Bell said: “I work across the other side of town so came here out of curiosity. Can’t remember seeing one this big before.”

Nicole Desouza, 18, said: “It looks scary with all the smoke. It’s not something you’d expect in the city centre.”