Huge fire at Sandos takeaway. Credit: Charlotte Bicks

A huge fire has erupted at Sandos takeaway on Church Street.

Witnesses on the scene have reported seeing flames higher than the building and Church Street is cordoned off with diversions around the city while Lancashire Fire Service tackle the blaze.

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Manchester Road, Church Street and Tithebarn Street are all closed.

Pictures appear to show extensive damage to the building.

Two fire engines were sent to the scene and crews immediately requested a further two appliances when they saw the extent of the fire.

Sandos fire in Church Street Pic: Tony Worrall

Three jets are currently on the blaze mostly in the roof area of the building with the aerial ladder platform (pictured below) in use.

The adjacent buildings have been evacuated as a result of the blaze.

Lancashire Fire Service have yet to identify the cause of the fire.

A statement from Lancashire Fire Service said: “Four fire engines from Preston, Penwortham and Bamber Bridge, and an aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn have been called to a fire on Church Street, Preston.

“The fire is in the first floor of the two storey building and firefighters are using three jets and the aerial ladder platform to extinguish the fire. At 12:00, the fire was in the roof of the building and firefighting operations are continuing.

“The buildings adjacent have been evacuated as a precaution but at this moment in time, no injuries have been reported to us. The cause is under investigation.”

Update:

The fire has now been extinguished and crews are preparing to leave the site.

Building inspectors from Lancashire County Council and a demolition crew are currently assessing the building to ensure it is safe.

The investigation into what caused the fire will begin tomorrow.

Fire at Sandos. Credit: Benjamin Wareing

Sandos in Preston on fire @leponline @blogpreston @BBCBreaking pic.twitter.com/ltypR5IGdz

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