Fire breaks out at Primark store in Belfast
Flames and smoke billowing out of one of city's oldest buildings
Last updated 28th Aug 2018
Eighty fire-fighters and 14 appliances are tackling a blaze that broke out this morning (Tuesday) at the Primark building in Belfast City Centre.
It is not clear how the fire started.
Royal Avenue and Castlecourt were cordoned off while firefighters tackled the blaze.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent 14 appliances to the scene.
Plumes of smoke and flames, largely from the back of the building - one of the oldest in Belfast - were seen from all over the city centre.
In a statement, NIFRS said the area should be avoided: "The incident at the Primark building in Belfast City Centre is ongoing and likely to continue throughout the rest of today.
“There are currently 14 Fire Appliances and 80 Firefighters in attendance at the scene dealing with a major fire. The building has been evacuated.
“There is a large plume of smoke in the area and residents and businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure.
“The public are advised to stay away from the Castle Street/Royal Avenue area whilst the incident is ongoing."
Meanwhile, Primark confirmed on its Twitter page that staff were "safely evacuated" from the store.