Firefighters have rushed to a blaze at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, with people urged to "avoid the area". Footage shows smoke billowing out of the top of the iconic building on Hope Street.
Large crowds can seen seen gathering on the street below. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called at 2.44pm this afternoon and were on the scene in five minutes. The building was subsequently evacuated. The incident remains ongoing, with the fire service urging people to "please avoid the area". It said in a statement: The fire service said: "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at an incident at Liverpool Cathedral on the afternoon of Friday 1 May. Crews were alerted at 2.44pm and on scene at 2.49pm, with two fire engines and one aerial appliance attending. Firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the top of the tower, with smoke visible. MFRS crews investigated and confirmed this was an electrical fire on the balcony on the top floor of the cathedral. Firefighters fought the fire, and the building was evacuated."
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