An inferno has torn through a former Odeon cinema as thick black smoke billows and can be seen for miles.
Firefighters have been battling the huge blaze in Preston City Centre. Lancs Live reports the fire is the third in the city in the space of a week.
The building on Church Street was once an Odeon cinema and appears to have been badly damaged by the flames, with loud crackling heard in video footage from the scene. On Thursday evening the severe blaze took hold, with witnesses spotting the smoke from miles around.
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A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "There is still quite a large smoke plume so people should keep their windows and doors shut. There are quite a few road closures in place which the police are managing."
They added that 12 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms had attended. Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, said: "The recent fires taking place in Preston City Centre are very disturbing suggesting a possible trend. It has been raised by senior members and officers with both fire and police services.
"We will continue supporting our emergency services to effectively deal with the matter." One witness said: "There's smoke all over the place in Preston centre. It's Odeon cinema that is on fire again.
"There is flying debris also on fire and it looks like other buildings are catching fire too." No injuries have been reported to the fire service but paramedics have attended the scene and are ready to assist if required.
