Newcastle Fire UD
Emergency services currently remain at the scene of a fire in Newcastle city centre. At around 9am this morning (Tues) police received a call from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service requesting assistance with the fire at Kard Bar on Cross Street. Officers attended to help evacuate the immediate area and cordon off the scene. A number of minor roads were also closed to assist with the operation. A small stretch of Westgate Road has been closed and the public are advised to avoid the area. There is not any major disruption but the road is expected to be closed for several hours. Firefighters have been working to contain the fire throughout the morning and will continue their operation into this evening. Police will continue to liase with the occupants of the surrounding buildings - including a number of students from International House - who have been evacuated to safety. It is not known whether anyone was in the premises at the time of the fire and that will form part of the ongoing operation. Superintendent Bruce Storey, from Central Area Command, said:
"We want to reassure the public that emergency services are on the scene and are working together to resolve this incident. Students living in the surrounding premises have been evacuated as a precaution and they have been provided alternative accommodation. There is no major traffic disruption but it could get more congested as we approach rush hour. Emergency services will remain on the scene into the evening. Any residents living in the area are advised to shut their doors and windows to avoid any smoke getting into your property. Local officers are visiting premises in the area to answer questions and provide reassurance. If anyone in the vicinity of Cross Street has any questions or issues then our officers on the scene will be more than happy to help." Anyone who has any concerns about members of the public should contact Northumbria Police on 101 extension 69191.