Crews tackle major fire at shopping centre

A shopping centre in Leicestershire has been badly damaged by a fire which broke out in the early hours.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it received multiple calls to the blaze affecting several units at Thurmaston Shopping Centre in Barkby Thorpe Lane at about 04:00 BST on Saturday.

At its height eight fire engines were in attendance, along with two aerial appliances and more than 40 firefighters. There were no reports of any injuries, the fire service added.

Joe Rollestone, Wigston and Western Station Manager, said the roof of the shopping centre was affected and crews had contained the blaze to six units.

Images from the scene show flames visible through windows and a large area of roof collapsed.

Police said Barkby Thorpe Lane at its junction with Highway Road was closed but access to the nearby Asda supermarket was open.

Rollestone said the six affected units had "various degrees of damage" and the fire was under investigation.

He added crews were working to make sure there was no further fire spread to any other units in the shopping centre.

Part of the area had reopened by Saturday afternoon.

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