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Harborne fire: Former cinema engulfed by flames | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A large fire has ripped through an historic former cinema in Birmingham overnight. | |
West Midlands Fire and Rescue service (WMFRS) were called to the old Royalty Cinema in Harborne at 00:32 BST. | |
Smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the roof of the building on High Street, which dates to the 1930s. | |
About 50 firefighters tackled the "severe" blaze, which is now under control, the service said. | |
It said crews were not able to access parts of the building due to structural damage. | |
West Midlands Police said there were no casualties. | |
Neighbours were warned there was still a lot of smoke in the area and advised them to keep windows and doors closed. | Neighbours were warned there was still a lot of smoke in the area and advised them to keep windows and doors closed. |
The High Street in Harborne was closed while crews worked at the scene. | The High Street in Harborne was closed while crews worked at the scene. |
It was reopened by 08:00, but Greenhill Road remains closed. | |
West Midlands Fire Service said the cause has yet to be identified. | |
On Facebook, the group which has been campaigning to restore the building said: "We're devastated to hear of the fire at the Royalty during the night. | |
"We want to thank the fire services for their hard work and hope the damage is not too extensive." |