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Market closed until further notice following fire

Neve Gordon-FarleighBBC News, Buckinghamshire
News imageTony Fisher/BBC At Milton Keynes Markets a blue and white taped police cordon is in place. The back of a fire engine can be seen within the cordon and so can a white van. The markets sit beneath a bridge and is next to Centre: MK. Tony Fisher/BBC
Emergency services including the fire service and police have been at the scene

A covered market is closed until further notice after a fire that was described as "devastating" by the local council.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue service was called to Milton Keynes Market, next to Centre:MK at about 19:30 GMT on Tuesday.

Eleven appliances and crews tackled the blaze and Thames Valley Police urged people to avoid the area and close windows and doors.

In a statement on social media, the Milton Keynes Market team said it was "deeply saddened" by the news.

News imageTony Fisher/BBC Milton Keynes Market which is a range of covered stalls. A sign can be seen on the left hand side of the picture pointing to the left which says Secklow Gate East and Xscape. The sign points right to Market Square and "centre: mk". The bridge/raised road above the market can be seen with black scorch marks on its side. Red and white tape can be seen around one section of the market stalls and a blue and white police cordon tape is also in place. Tony Fisher/BBC
Secklow Gate bridge, which the markets run underneath, has been left with scorch marks after the fire

The covered market is owned by the Milton Keynes Development Partnership and Milton Keynes City Council, and has a mixture of fixed stalls and casual pitches.

The market said emergency services worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.

"This is a devastating blow to our market traders, especially during the busy Christmas period," a spokesperson said.

"We ask for your understanding and consideration during this difficult time, as businesses have been affected."

A fire broke out at the market 14 years ago, causing the bridge at Secklow Gate to close for 18 months.

A police spokesperson said the force was working with the fire service to determine the cause of the blaze.

They said Secklow Gate and the market remained closed.

News imageTony Fisher/BBC Market stalls with a red and white striped canopy can be seen within a blue and white taped police cordon. A police car sits in front of the stalls and a police officer is stood by the side of the cordon. Tony Fisher/BBC
Milton Keynes Market, on Midsummer Boulevard, said it was still assessing the extent of the damage

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