Location: Regent Road, Bootle
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is currently dealing with a building fire on the junction of Regent Road and Brunswick Place, Bootle.
Crews were alerted at 3.26pm and on scene at 3.29pm. Six fire engines are in attendance, with an aerial appliance also enroute.
On arrival crews found smoke issuing from a brick built building.
Firefighters have forced entry to the property and firefighting operations are underway. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are also fighting the fire externally.
Nearby residents and businesses should keep windows and doors closed. Anyone with existing medical conditions should keep medicine nearby and call NHS 111 if ill effects occur.
Merseyside Police have been requested to assist with road closures and traffic management.
This incident is ongoing. Please avoid the area.
UPDATE 5.12PM
Firefighting continues, with three main branches in use.
The aerial appliance is being used to fight the fire externally through the building's windows.
Road closures are in place on Regent Road at its junctions with Brunswick Place, Dunnett Street and Lower Bank View. Please avoid the area.
UPDATE 9.17PM
Four fire engines remain in attendance. Crews are hot spotting on the second floor of the property using hose reel jets and thermal imaging cameras.
Scottish Power are also in attendance.