Belfast's Primark building in flames

by Q Radio News

Emergency services are at the scene of a major fire at Primark in Belfast. Smoke can be seen following from the site on Royal Avenue. 

The building has been evacuated and people are being urged to avoid the area. 

There are currently 14 fire appliances and 80 firefighters tackling the blaze. 

UPDATE: 

The incident at the Primark building is ongoing and likely to continue throughout the day. 14 Fire Appliances and 80 Firefighters are currently at the scene. Residents & businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed. pic.twitter.com/kJTEMPcWcq

— NIFRS (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) August 28, 2018

It's not known how the fire started.  

Fire crews on scene as smoke pours from Primark in Belfast. pic.twitter.com/tMkgMeBOkz

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 28, 2018

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the NIFRS said: "NIFRS received a call at 11am today to a fire on the top floor of the Primark building - a five-storey commercial property in the Castle Street area of Belfast.

"11 appliances are in attendance. The building has been evacuated.

"The public are advised to avoid the Castle Street/Royal Avenue area whilst the incident is ongoing."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland also issued a warning to motorists to avoid the area.

Loud explosions in Belfast City Centre as a fire continues to rage through the upper floors of Primark. The cordon is being pushed further back as surrounding buildings are evacuated. pic.twitter.com/auMOU5Pqvr

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 28, 2018

A number of diversions are in place at Bridge Street, High Street, Castle Street and Queen's Street as well as Royal Avenue and North Street to allow the fire service to deal with the ongoing incident.

Police have advised drivers to seek an alternative route.

BREAKING: Smoke pouring from the roof of Primark in Belfast City Centre. pic.twitter.com/I8jH7ptOM1

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 28, 2018

Alan Lewis is at the scene and has been speaking to Q Radio: 

Primark can confirm our Belfast store on Castle Street was safely evacuated today (28 Aug) following a fire on the roof.

— Primark (@Primark) August 28, 2018