Roads and businesses shut as firefighters tackle town centre blaze

Roads and businesses have been temporarily closed as firefighters tackle a blaze in the centre of Kilmarnock.

Fire crews were called to a “well developed” fire in a four-storey commercial building in King Street just before 9pm on Monday, which then spread to other premises.

Two fire engines and a high reach appliance were initially sent to the scene and were then joined by another four appliances.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the four-storey building has partially collapsed and two appliances and specialist resources remain at the scene on Tuesday morning working to make the area safe.

People living nearby have been advised to keep their windows closed and drivers and pedestrians have been asked to avoid the area.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.”

Police said King Street and Sandbed Lane are closed while a number of roads leading to them were shut for a time but later reopened.

East Ayrshire Council said: “King Street Kilmarnock remains closed today following a fire last night.

“Shops and businesses will be unable to open today as emergency services are still onsite trying to extinguish the fire.”