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Fire sweeps through former theatre and town hall

Indy Almroth-WrightSouth of England
HIWFRS Ryde former theatre and town hall with smoke coming from the building and flames from the windows - firefighters are on ladders and at street level fighting the fire.HIWFRS
Flames were visible in the building's top-floor windows as crews fought the fire in the early hours

A fire has broken out at a former theatre and town hall on the Isle of Wight with flames seen raging through its upper-floor windows.

Firefighters from across the island have been tackling the blaze on Lind Street in Ryde after it broke out about 23:30 BST.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said the fire, that had spread to the roof, was now under control with crews from Cowes and East Cowes monitoring the building and dampening down remaining hotspots.

People living nearby have been urged to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke and stay away from the area.

The Grade II listed building near the town's seafront and pier has been vacant for 13 years - it was put up for auction in December.

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