Lytham Road still closed as police and fire service investigate shop and flat blaze

Six engines and two aerial ladder platforms were called to the shop, formerly Shahid's Fashions, near the junction with Clarendon Road at 10.15pm.

The fire swiftly spread to the occupied flat above, forcing a number of people to flee the burning building before fire crews arrived.

No injuries have been reported.

As of 1pm, Lytham Road has been closed for 14 hours as fire crews work to make the scene safe. The road is expected to remain closed until later this afternoon as investigators remain at the site to try and establish what caused the fire.

This afternoon, a spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are still working to make the scene safe following the fire on Lytham Road, Blackpool.

"One aerial ladder platform and one fire engine are at the incident and as a result Lytham Road remains closed.

"A joint police and fire investigation is now underway."

Lytham Road has been closed both ways, between the junctions with Lonsdale Road and Moon Avenue, since the fire broke out last night, .

The road was thought to have been re-opened at around 11.30am, but it is has now been confirmed that it is remains closed.

It is leading to congestion back to the road's junction with Tyldesley Road, near Home Bargains.

What happened?

Quick-thinking fire crews tackled the fire until 2am and managed to prevent it spreading to neighbouring properties.

One engine and one aerial ladder platform remained overnight to damp down and ensure the scene was safe.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway this afternoon.

A fire service spokesman said: "Yesterday evening, six fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were called to a fire involving a shop and the flat above on Lytham Road, Blackpool.

"No injuries have been reported but a number of people self-evacuated before crews arrived.

"Firefighters, through their quick actions, managed to stop the fire spreading to adjacent properties.

"Lytham Road, between the junctions of Lonsdale Road and Moon Avenue, will remain closed for the next few hours.

"The cause of the fire is now under investigation."