Blackpool fire crews battle industrial park blaze near Vicarage Lane in Marton

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said the blaze occurred at a business premises in Cowley Road, off Vicarage Lane at around 7.17am.

The fire-hit unit is home to Nationwide Catering, which was incorporated as a limited company just ten days ago.

Peter Croome, director, has spoken to the Gazette about the devastating effect of the fire on his catering business.

He said: "The building is destroyed, there's nothing left and everything inside is gone," he said

Pictures from the scene show the roof of the business unit collapsing under the intense heat of the fire.

Vicarage Lane has been partially blocked with fire engines, leading to traffic queuing to the junction with Sanderson Way.

Thick clouds of black smoke can be seen looming above the incident area and nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

A spokesman for LFRS said: "Ten fire engines and specialist units including two aerial ladder platforms were called to a fire involving a commercial property on Cowley Road, Blackpool.

"Firefighters used multiple jets, breathing apparatus and the aerial ladder platforms to bring the fire under control.

"Due to smoke in the area, locals were asked to keep windows and doors shut if they could smell smoke and a number of roads were closed by Lancashire Police.

"As of 11.30am, the fire is under control and the number of fire engines has reduced to six.

"No injuries were reported and the fire investigation has now begun."

North West Ambulance Service sent an ambulance and a rapid response unit to the scene, but both have since been stood down.

Visit our live blog for regular updates from the scene.Lancashire Police added: "We have been made aware of a fire but at this stage I don’t believe there is any police involvement."