Firefighters and police are trying to establish whether anyone was trapped in a burning building after battling to put out a fierce fire in Newcastle city centre.
No one has officially been reported missing, but there are concerns about a person who might have been caught up in the blaze that brought down the roof.
Dale Harrington, 39, said: "I work at Richer Sounds and we have been advised by the fire brigade to shut the shop." pic.twitter.com/FQEoeh0Z1j
— Rory Tingle (@RoryTingle1) December 1, 2015
More than 50 firefighters were involved in controlling the fire that started at the Kard Bar, a poster and print shop, on Cross Street. Large plumes of black smoke billowed around the city centre as the flames spread through the four-storey building.
Businesses and people were evacuated, including 80 students from nearby flats. Residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed because of the smoke and motorists were told to avoid the area.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the shop and flats above but it was unclear if anyone was in the premises when the fire broke out.
“Crews arrived here earlier this morning and were faced by a very serious fire in the ground floor of the property,” said assistant chief fire officer John Baines. “There is a high fire load in the building due to the very nature of the trade that is carried out there. We now have it under control. At this point in time, we cannot establish whether all persons are accounted for.”
One witness, Gary Price of Fawdon, told the Evening Chronicle: “I was shocked to see huge plumes of smoke going all the way to the sky. There were also flames coming out of some windows. It was absolutely frightening. The fire crews started putting out the blaze with huge water jets. There was a lot of smoke and you could smell the burning from a long way.”
Police assisted with the closure of the street and the evacuation of the immediate area.
Open since 1966, the Kard Bar sells badges, body jewellery, flags, incense sticks, oils, patches and T-shirts. The owners say the store has more than 100,000 items in stock and was the first in Newcastle to sell posters.
