Liverpool Central station fire as huge plumes of smoke pour out and shops evacuated

A major has been evacuated and passengers redirected as pouring from the busy travel hub this afternoon.

A fire alarm was pulled at Liverpool Central Station at around 4.55pm this afternoon as a blaze broke out in the loading bay for the shops at the major transport hub. were directed to Lime street, James Street and Moorfields as a result of the blaze, which caused the station to be closed. It is expected to reopen later this evening. Crews from Merseyside Fire and Rescue arrived around five minutes after the alarm went off.

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A spokesman for the fire service said: "Fire crews have been called to a fire at a loading bay for shops located at Central Station, Ranelagh St., Liverpool, this afternoon.

"Crews were alerted at 4.38pm and on scene at 4.43pm, with three fire engines and the search and rescue team in attendance. Crews arrived to find an external building at ground level to the rear of the station involved in a fire.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire which remained contained to the loading bay."

Merseyrail said on X: "Liverpool Central remains closed until we are given the go ahead to reopen it by the fire brigade. If passengers can remain using Moorfields and Lime Street currently as trains cannot call at Liverpool Central. Further updates will follow as soon as we receive them.

"The fire is outside of the station, however the station has been evacuated whilst the fire brigade are on site dealing with the fire. Passengers should use Moorfields or Liverpool Lime Street until Liverpool Central can be used again. No trains are currently calling at Central."

National Rail said on X: "The fire alarm sounding at Liverpool Central station means that all lines are disrupted. As a result, trains will be running non stop between Liverpool Lime Street and James Street or will be revised. Disruption at Liverpool Central is now expected until 7pm."

The fire service added the blaze has since been extinguished, but remain at the scene.