Derelict building fire closes Briercliffe Road in Burnley

The road has been closed in both directions since around 5.30am, from Duke Bar, near Thursby Road, to Rylands Street.

Pictures from the scene show the building gutted by the fire, which broke out on the second floor at around 3.45am. No injuries have been reported.

You can view footage from the scene in our video player above.

A fire service spokesman said: "At 3.49am, four fire engines from Burnley and Nelson and the aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn attended an incident in Briercliffe Road, Burnley.

"The fire involved a derelict commercial building consisting of two floors spanning approximately 15m x 10m.

"The fire was on the second floor and firefighters used two hose reels, one jet, command support pack and a positive ventilation van.

"Lancashire Police are in attendance to assist with a road closure in the area."

Police are advising motorists to find alternative routes this morning, as fire crews remain at the scene as of 8.30am.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "Due to an ongoing incident in the Burnley area, we have closed Briercliffe Road, from Duke Bar (Near Thursby Road) and as far as Rylands Street. Please bear this in mind and plan an alternative journey."

The road closures are expected to stay in place until around 9am.

Bus services are also being diverted, with Burnley Bus Company saying its Service 5 to Harle Syke will be rerouted up Colne Road and Casterton Avenue.

The bus company said: "Service 5 to Harle Syke will be on a diversion due to an incident on Briercliffe Road and the police have shut this road, so towards Harle Syke as normal to Duke Bar then carrying on up Colne Road to Casterton Avenue, then up Casterton Avenue to mini roundabout then normal route."