A FIRE at a former snooker club has broken out -which has caused its roof to collapse.

The fire service, police and an ambulance have been called to the former John's Snooker and Pool Bar in Clayton Street, Blackburn, this morning.

At its height 12 fire engines were called to the scene and residents and businesses nearby have been advised to keep all windows and doors shut.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

A fire service spokesman said: "We’ve now reduced the number of fire engines at the scene to nine including two aerial ladder platforms.

"The fire is under control but we would still advise residents to stay inside where possible and keep windows and doors closed.

"At this time the police are still making inquiries as to reports that people may have been inside the building.

"Approximately 20 residents have been evacuated as a precaution."

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An air ambulance was also called to the scene.

A fire service spokesman said firefighters were called to reports of a derelict building on fire in Clayton Street, Blackburn at around 9:35am.

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The spokesman said: "They found a two storey building approximately 25metres by 30metres well alight.

"Further crews were requested including two Aerial Ladder Platforms and a further eight fire engines.

"There are currently fire engines in attendance including the stinger and aerial support unit.

"The roof of the building has now collapsed.

"There is a significant smoke plume in the area and we are advising people out and about in the locality to stay indoors and close windows and doors as a precaution.

"Police are continuing inquiries to establish whether any persons were in the building when the fire started.

"Fire crews in conjunction with police and NWAS colleagues are planning to evacuate a small number of residents due to potential collapse."


Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Clayton Street and parts of King Street near Farmfoods has been closed off.

An eyewitness said: "There's lots of emergency services at the scene.

"There's big clouds of smoke."

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Lancashire Telegraph reader Stewart Wade said: "Oh, no. That'll be another historic building wiped of the map of Blackburn."

Another reader, Andrew Stewart, said: "All I can say is in those pictures are some brave men and women risking their lives for a job."

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