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Roads closed after building fire in city centre

Clare Lissaman,West Midlandsand
Richard Williams,in Coventry
News imageBBC Smoke is billowing out of a building. Next to it, or part of the same building, is a black sign which says 'KM Motors Car Sale and Used Cars You can trust.' BBC
Fire crews have carried out piles of bedding and other soft furnishings from the building

A building fire in the centre of Coventry has led to the closure of some city roads.

About 30 firefighters were sent to the blaze which broke out in Tower Street at about midnight.

"Tower Street is currently closed and we advise that if you live or work nearby to close doors and windows," West Midlands Fire Service said.

Crews were continuing to make progress and expected to remain at the scene throughout the day, the fire service added. People are urged to avoid the area if possible.

News imageA road with yellow lines down the sides. There are two fire engines in view pictured from the back and a car to the right of the picture.
Fire crews are expected to be at the scene throughout Tuesday

The fire site is just inside Coventry ring road and Tower Street and Bishop Street have been affected, Transport for West Midlands said. Earlier, the wind direction was blowing smoke out towards the ring road.

A cordon is in place around a single-storey building and a line of fire vehicles stretch along Tower Street.

Smoke was seen billowing out of the windows, which had come out of the building.

Firefighters were able to get into the premises to look at the building and told the BBC a safety check was being carried out.

Outside the building on the pavement, about 200 to 300 pieces of soft furnishings were brought out.

It included piles of bedding, some of which were fire-damaged.

News imageThree firefighters outside a building which has a red and white cordon in place. The building has windows which are burnt and damaged and there are piles of rolled materials outside. The sign about the building says 'KM Motors Car Sale Used cars you can trust'.
Crews are carrying out safety checks at the premises

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