A disused nightclub which was devastated by fire last night is now being demolished.
The large inferno began at the Marbella Mambo nightclub and Venue cinema on Conway Street in Birkenhead.
Crews were called at 9.41pm on Wednesday as the blaze began in the roof space and caused huge plumes of smoke to billow out of the building.
Now, this afternoon, demolitions teams have been at the site.
Wirral Council confirmed that it was the owner of the building, rather than the council, that had taken the decision.
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However, diggers hauling down the ex-nightspot will not be stopped by the local authority as the former club is structurally unsafe following the fire.
On social media, locals expressed their disappointment that Marbella Mambo was being torn down so quickly - even if they agreed it was dangerous.
Leighton Williams said: "I worked next door to this building for over 25 years.
"The outer brick walls were bowed and unsafe then. So I can understand the back of the building being pulled down."
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It is still unclear how the fire started.
Investigators will probe whether the blaze was accidental or if it was started deliberately.
This morning, Merseyside Fire and Rescue said they were still working to control hot spots in the building.
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.
A fire spokesperson said: “Due to the size of the fire (12m x 12m) its has been sectorised.
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"The fire broke out in the roof space but it is not yet clear what has caused it.”
Residents clambered up on crash barriers on nearby roads to watch the former Marbello Mambo club burn.
Roads were closed as crews worked to bring the blaze under control with Conway Street shut from the roundabout at Argyll St to the Vue Cinema.
