Major blaze in Exeter city centre

Dozens of firefighters are tackling a blaze at a building in Exeter city centre.

Police were alerted by the fire service at 5.20am (Friday 28 October 2016) to a large fire towards the South Street end of Exeter High Street.

The fire is involving The Royal Clarence Hotel and the Waterstones Shop and has been declared as a 'major Incident' by the fire service.   

The Royal Clarence Hotel has been evacuated as a precaution, and all staff and residents are accounted for.

It is not known at this time where or how the fire started or how many properties have been affected.

No injuries are reported.

Police have closed off the area and cordons remain in place while fire crews tackle the blaze.

Princesshay and Guildhall shopping centres can be entered, but not from the High Street side.

There is likely to be traffic disruption due to road closures while the emergency services deal with the incident.

Update:

Fire service confirms fire has spread to the roof space above The Royal Clarence Hotel: http://www.theexeterdaily.co.uk/news/business-daily-local-news/smoke-bil...