Belfast's Neighbourhood Cafe caught up in Cathedral Quarter blaze
Last updated 3rd Oct 2022
Fire crews were called to the scene of a fire in the Cathedral Quarter area of Belfast city centre shortly before 6am today.
The blaze broke out at Old Cathedral Building on Donegall Street. The building is home to a number of businesses, including popular coffee shop and hangout spot Neighbourhood Cafe.
The team at Neighbourhood Cafe shared an emotional post on social media this morning. It reads: "With great sadness we will be closed until further notice due to a fire in our building. Thanks for all the messages of support. We’ll be back soon."
More than 50 firefighters were called to the scene, the incident is still on going.
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Spokesperson said, “NIFRS have been called to reports of a fire in a building at Old Cathedral Building, Belfast at 05.37 on Monday 3nd October 2022.”
“ 8 Fire Appliances from Belfast, a Command Support Unit from Lisburn, two Aerial Appliances, 52 Fire-fighters and 5 Officers are in attendance.
The PSNI have asked for members of the public to avoid the area. A tweet on social media reads: "Donegal Street in Belfast has been closed while the NIFRS deal with a fire at a building in the area. A number of diversions are in place. Motorists and pedestrians should avoid the area."
Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is one of the city's most popular spots for businesses, students and tourists.
The Deer's Head, a neighbour to the Old Cathedral Building, shared a heartfelt message on social media.
It reads: "Devastated for our neighbours in the Cathedral Building on Donegal Street this morning. An iconic building full of great businesses on a neglected street is not what the area needs or deserves. Hope everyone is ok 🙏"
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