Part of shopping centre demolished following fire

Part of a shopping centre in Leicester has been demolished following a major fire.

Emergency services were called to a blaze affecting several units at Thurmaston Shopping Centre, in Barkby Thorpe Lane, at about 04:00 BST on Saturday.

Eight fire engines were at the scene at the height of the fire, with more than 40 firefighters.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said there were no reports of any injuries.

Greggs, cardfactory, Mountain Warehouse and Claire's had been demolished by Tuesday.

Stores across the shopping centre from TK Maxx onwards remained open.

A joint investigation into the cause of the fire between Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Leicestershire Police is ongoing.

A spokesperson for Mountain Warehouse said: "We are working closely with the shopping centre management and relevant authorities while investigations into the incident continue.

"Our focus is on supporting our colleagues involved and ensuring they remain with us until we can get back to trading in Thurmaston again at the earliest opportunity."

Nicola Neal, who was visiting the centre on Tuesday, said: "It's quite devastating really because it affects the entire community because now you've lost a huge part of what was a fantastic shopping centre and it will have a knock-on effect for a lot of people in this location.

"People rely on this centre to come and do shopping and socialise."

Jackie Marston, from Asfordy, said: "It's so frightening, the card shop's gone, my favourite shop Gregg's has gone.

"What's happened to all their staff? It is really, really, really sad."

Patricia Hopewell added: "The scale is shocking. They're just lucky that nobody was killed, nobody was injured."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.