A huge blaze at a motorbike garage forced firefighters to break into the building.
Crews were called to Marriott Motorcycles on Oxton Road, in Birkenhead, shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday to reports of a fire in a rear yard.
By the time firefighters arrived at the scene the blaze had spread to the main building and forcing officers to break into the store.
Four fire engines were sent to the scene along with a platform ladder to help firefighters tackle the blaze from above.
The fire in the rear yard was quickly put out but crews are now tackling the blaze inside the store which sits on the main road.
A number of road closures are currently in place and people are being asked to avoid the area.
Shortly before 11pm Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed that firefighters were tackling the flames from inside the building.
Photographs taken at the scene show a large emergency service response on Oxton Road where a number of officers could be seen studying plans of the building.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Firefighters are currently in attendance at a fire on Oxton Road in Birkenhead.
"Crews were alerted at 8.24pm and on scene at 8.31pm. Four fire engines and the combined platform ladder are in attendance.
"On arrival crews found a large fire in the rear yard of a motorcycle garage. The fire has spread to the building.
"Firefighters used an angle grinder to gain access to the building. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are entering the property.
"Please avoid the area.
"Nearby residents and businesses should keep windows and doors closed.
"The incident is ongoing."
A short time later, they added: "The fire has been sectorised. Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are fighting the fire internally using main hose reel jets.
"Cordons have been put in place around the site and Oxton Road has been closed for safety.
"It is believed a fire on the ground floor of the building has been extinguished.
"Crews are also locating a fire believed to be on the first floor."
