Major fire breaks out at shopping centre near Leicester

Dozens of firefighters are on the scene of a major fire at a shopping centre near Leicester.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning with multiple retail units at the Thurmaston Shopping Centre affected.

Images posted on social media show flames emerging from the building, while the full extent of the damage is unknown.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it received multiple calls from members of the public alerting them to the fire.

In a statement issued this morning, a spokesperson said: "The Fire Service currently have 8 fire engines, 2 Aerial appliances and over 40 firefighters in attendance.

"There is a significant smoke plume and local residents are being advised to keep windows and doors closed."

People are being urged to avoid the area, with emergency crews remaining at the scene.

Barkby Thorpe Lane was earlier closed at the junction with Highway Rd, with access to the shopping centre restricted.

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