This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-45390540

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Liverpool's Littlewoods Pools building engulfed by fire Liverpool's Littlewoods Pools building engulfed by fire
(35 minutes later)
Firefighters are battling a huge blaze at the Littlewoods Pools building, one of Liverpool's most famous landmarks.Firefighters are battling a huge blaze at the Littlewoods Pools building, one of Liverpool's most famous landmarks.
Nine fire crews are at the scene of the blaze, which has extended upwards from the first floor of the building, Merseyside Fire Service said.Nine fire crews are at the scene of the blaze, which has extended upwards from the first floor of the building, Merseyside Fire Service said.
There are no reports of any injuries.There are no reports of any injuries.
The five-storey Art Deco structure on Edge Lane was built in 1938 and was part of the Sir John Moores' Littlewoods empire but has stood empty since 2003.The five-storey Art Deco structure on Edge Lane was built in 1938 and was part of the Sir John Moores' Littlewoods empire but has stood empty since 2003.
The fire service said it was first called at 19:52 BST and were on scene within four minutes, but found the roof well alight.The fire service said it was first called at 19:52 BST and were on scene within four minutes, but found the roof well alight.
Inside the Littlewoods dream factory
Crews using breathing apparatus have entered the building to tackle the blaze across an area measuring 200m by 100m and two jets are being used to douse the flames from the outside.Crews using breathing apparatus have entered the building to tackle the blaze across an area measuring 200m by 100m and two jets are being used to douse the flames from the outside.
The fire service said it has received close to 60 calls from members of the public regarding the fire. Hoardings which covered the building's windows have been removed to aid the fighting of the fire, which has spread to about 40% of the building, the fire service said.
It said it had received close to 60 calls from members of the public regarding the fire.
The building had recently been sold with a plan to redevelop the site to become a major film and television studio hub, creating 350 jobs.The building had recently been sold with a plan to redevelop the site to become a major film and television studio hub, creating 350 jobs.
Twickenham Studios has signed a deal with developer Capital & Centric to create a £50m northern base at the site.Twickenham Studios has signed a deal with developer Capital & Centric to create a £50m northern base at the site.
The company has been in talks with Merseyside Fire Service, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council about how best to tackle the fire.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson tweeted: "Absolutely heartbreaking news that the iconic Littlewoods Building is ablaze, looks pretty bad at this stage, let's hope and pray it's salvageable."Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson tweeted: "Absolutely heartbreaking news that the iconic Littlewoods Building is ablaze, looks pretty bad at this stage, let's hope and pray it's salvageable."
A police cordon is in place and the blaze is ongoing.A police cordon is in place and the blaze is ongoing.
Shortly after 22:00, the fire service reported large plumes of black smoke coming from the building and advised people living in the vicinity to keep windows and doors closed.Shortly after 22:00, the fire service reported large plumes of black smoke coming from the building and advised people living in the vicinity to keep windows and doors closed.