Dundonald fire causing major disruption
30 firefighters tackling major blaze at Lewis pub
Last updated 31st Jan 2019
A major blaze has devastated a bar in east Belfast and caused major disruption.
It is thought to have broken out at the Lewis Bar on the Upper Newtownards Road, around eight on Thursday morning.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said there are 30 firefighters tackling the incident, as well as five fire appliances and two specialist appliances.
The road is closed between East Link Road and Church Road while access to the Ulster Hospital is via the Stoney Road entrance.
Bus services have also been diverted from the area and motorists have been advised to take alternative routes.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said it would do all it could to help the bar's owners.
"It is devastating to see the footage of the fire at one of our members' premises this morning at The Lewis in Dundonald,'' he said.
"Our thoughts are with the management and staff and we'll do all we can to support them at this time."
Police say the disruption is unlikely to continue into Thursday's rush hour.