A main road in Blackpool has been shut off this evening following reports of aa 'collapsed building'.
A section of The Promenade has been cordoned off and all trams have been halted following the incident.
Police and fire services have closed a stretch of the road with Blackpool Council, Lancs Live reports.
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Police and fire services initially closed the road between Springfield Road and Talbot Road due to fears over an unsafe building.
Blackpool Council has warned of a 'collapsed building', while Lancashire Constabulary says the building on the corner of Springfield Road has sustained damage to its roof during strong winds.
Fire crews were called to the scene at around 5.50pm and helped people evacuate from nearby properties.
A spokesperson said: "One fire engine from Blackpool attended a building that had partially collapsed on Springfield Road at the junction with the promenade in Blackpool.
"Firefighters put a safety cordon in place and assisted with a small number of evacuations from adjoining properties working with Lancashire Police. The incident has been handed over to Blackpool Council and road closures are in place, so please avoid the area."
One witness said a large pile of bricks and debris filled the pavement outside a firework shop. The cordon has since been extended to cover from Banks Street to Talbot Street.
The road closure remains in place now with no indication of how soon it will be lifted.
Blackpool Council tweeted: “A building has collapsed on the Springfield Road/Promenade junction.
"Road closures in place in and around this area. Please avoid the area if at all possible. Diversions will be in place.
"The tramway is not running and the police and fire services are in attendance”
In a Facebook post, Blackpool Police have asked people to avoid the area.
The post stated: “Please be aware that the promenade is currently closed between Springfield Road and Talbot Road whilst police attend the scene of an incident.
“We are asking the public to stay away from the area until further notice.”
