The cordoned-off scene several hours after the fire began. Pic: Jess Edwards

A former warehouse has been evacuated and a 500 feet area cordoned off after a four-storey building was engulfed by flames.

The building, on Kent St, is home to the Iqra education centre and the Biker Asylum motorcycle shop.

Children were seen leaving the building barefoot, having been evacuated by fire-fighters.

Eye-witness Pete Switzer, 36, described how he heard “two little explosions” adding the apparent cause was an electric heater.

Mr Switzer said that while property was being removed, explosions could be heard on the first floor. He told how he heard glass shattering followed by a series of explosions up to the top floor of the building.

He told how members of the community came out to assist the firefighters, removing 17 motorbikes worth £5,000 each from the motorbike shop.

The building is believed to have caught fire around 4.30 pm, and ten fire engines have been tackling the blaze since.

Police have cordoned off a number of nearby roads, including Great George St, St Paul’s Road, Frank St and Kent St.

Additional reporting by Danny Lee & Jess Edwards.

Stay tuned for more information as we get it.

View Fire at IQRA Education Centre in a larger map

Photos by Jess Edwards and James Murray. Slideshow and map by Joseph Stashko, video by Ryan Lahiff.