A huge blaze has ripped through a former nightclub and cinema sending plumes of thick smoke across Merseyside.
Fire crews were called at 9.40pm on Wednesday to the building in Conway Street in Birkenhead which used to be the Marbella Mambo nightclub and Venue cinema. The ECHO reported on the blaze live here .
It is believed that a fire broke out in the roof space of the large building before plumes of thick smoke could be seen across Merseyside.
Pictures and video from the scene show huge flames bursting from the roof as smoke billowed over the area.
Around six fire engines could be seen parked around the building while a platform ladder was brought to the fire to allow firefighters to tackle the blaze from above.
Road closures were quickly put in place by Merseyside Police and Conway Street was cordoned off from Europa Boulevard to Argyle Street.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: “Fire crews have been called to a large fire at a disused nightclub on Conway St. in Birkenhead.
“Crews were alerted at 9.41pm and on scene at 9.44pm.
“Five fire engines and a combined platform ladder are in attendance.
“Crews arrived to find the roof of the former Marbella Mambo club well alight with a fire of around 12 by 12 metres.
“The incident has been sectorised and is ongoing. Please avoid the area.”
Merseyside Police also tweeted: “Road Closure - Emergency Services are in attendance following reports of a fire. As a result Conway Street #Birkenhead is currently closed from the roundabout at Argyll St to the Vue Cinema. Please avoid the area at this time. Thank you."
At around 11.30pm an Incident Command Unit was brought to the scene as crews prepared to work through the night to bring the fire under control.
