Students were evacuated from properties around Kard Bar in Newcastle with police shutting roads and shops in the area as firefighters tackled the blaze. “At this point in time we can not establish whether all persons are accounted for”.
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Over 55 firefighters on 11 appliances plus two Aerial Ladder Platforms were on the scene.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were using breathing apparatus to search the flats and shops for anyone inside.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Baines said the fire was “severe” and asked the public to avoid the area.
Northumbria Police said no one had been reported missing, but there is concern locally for a person who might have been caught up in the fire.
‘We understand this will cause some congestion in the city centre and would like to thank the public for their patience as we deal with the incident’.
Homes, businesses and streets near the fire were evacuated as the emergency services tried to bring it under control.
There is not any major disruption but the road is expected to be closed for several hours.
Emergency services remain at the scene and will continue in the evening.
People have been advised to avoid the area due to the “large amounts of smoke” and roads surrounding the fire have been closed with traffic diverted. Local officers are visiting premises in the area to answer questions and provide reassurance.
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A strong smell of smoke could be detected in the area, with dozens of people gathered behind the police cordon watching what was going on.
