Six fire engines tackled a blaze at an empty pub in St Helens this afternoon.
Fire crews were called to the scene on Church Street and Hall Street after a blaze was reported at the former The Raven Lodge pub.
The building has been closed for several years and there were plans to turn it into an apartment complex.
Read more: Live updates as fire rips through building on major town centre street
Merseyside Police were also called to the scene and a joint investigation with Merseyside Fire Service is underway.
In a tweet, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said crews from six fire engines and an aerial appliance were in attendance.
At the scene, the upper levels of the building could be seen filled with smoke.
The now disused building stands right in the middle of St Helens town centre, close to St Helens Central railway station
Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed shortly after 4pm that the fire had been extinguished.
The cordon was in place for several hours, closing one of the busiest streets in St Helens.
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews were alerted at 12.49pm on Tuesday 19 October and on scene at 12.54pm.
"The fire has been located on the ground floor of a three storey disused building approx. 20m x 20m.
"Two teams of two firefighters are wearing breathing apparatus, both using thermal imaging cameras and hose reel jets to assist with firefighting activities.
"Merseyside Police are also in attendance assisting with traffic management. This is an ongoing incident, more to follow."
