A large fire has broken out at a shopping centre in Leicestershire, sending smoke billowing as part of the roof of a Mountain Warehouse store collapsed.
More than 40 firefighters and eight fire engines were called out to Thurmaston Shopping Centre after the blaze broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Dramatic photos from the scene show the part of the roof collapsed and smoke billowing from the top of the building, as a large crowd gathered round to watch.
Residents were earlier advised to keep windows and doors closed as the plume of smoke spread through the area. The fire has now been extinguished.
Several shops were forced to close, some of which are expected to open on Saturday, while Greggs, Mountain Warehouse and M&S remain closed, Leicestershire Live reported.
Jordan Slack, 29, who lives near the shopping centre, said he was “shocked” by the fire.
“I couldn’t believe it. Nothing has ever happened like this around here. I mean this shopping centre has been here for around 20 years and it’s the first big incident we’ve had here,” he said.
“Nothing really happens in Thurmaston so as you can see everyone is out here this morning seeing what’s happened.
“When I first saw the pictures, I thought the fire would take the whole shopping centre but thankfully it was stopped before it grew further.”
The car park outside the shopping centre has partially reopened but a cordon remains in place in front of Mountain Warehouse, M&S and Greggs.
The Independent has contacted Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service for further comment.
