Firefighters tackling huge blaze in Birmingham city centre

Seventy firefighters have been battling a blaze in Birmingham city centre that started in the early hours of this morning.

Residents living near MacDonald Street in the Highgate area of the city have been advised to keep windows and doors closed after the fire broke out shortly before 3am.

Images published by West Midlands Fire Service show smoke billowing out of an industrial unit.

The fire service tweeted at 5.21am: “Incident currently in progress Macdonald Street, Highgate. 70 Firefighters are currently working with 2 specialist aerial appliances. Avoid the area if possible due to road closures. Keep windows and doors closed in the area.”

At 7.16am, it added: “Reduced number of Firefighters on scene. Road closure to remain throughout the day at Macdonald Street from the junction of Charles Henry street until junction Bissel street also Charles Henry street from junction Macdonald Street.”