Large blaze at Liverpool’s Littlewoods building ‘absolutely heartbreaking’
A "heartbreaking" blaze at Liverpool's Littlewoods building raged into Monday morning, leaving fire crews battling to save the landmark.
The roof and several floors of the famous building are feared to have been destroyed after flames tore through the upper levels on Sunday evening.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said crews were confronted with a blaze that at one point saw an area measuring 200m x 100m alight.
But despite the spread of the flames, the 1930s Art-Deco building's structural integrity was thought to be withstanding the fire.
MFRS gave an update after meeting with the police, Liverpool Council and the building's owners on Monday morning.
"There are no concerns at this time over the integrity of the structure," the service tweeted.
UPDATE LITTLEWOODS FIRE: Firefighting continues on Edge Lane. A 2nd multi agency meeting has taken place with @MerseyPolice, @SPEnergyNetwork, @lpoolcouncil & building owners. There are no concerns at this time over the integrity of the structure. https://t.co/YkrlrBXp4r
— Mersey Fire (@MerseyFire) September 2, 2018
The Littlewoods Building has lain empty since 2003, although a £50 million scheme planned to redevelop the site into film and television studios, potentially bringing hundreds of jobs to the area.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said the fire was "absolutely heartbreaking" and "a real setback".
"Let's hope and pray its salvageable," he tweeted.
We have worked so hard to secure funding and a partner to get it going, a real setback. https://t.co/UieiEPt4pT
— Joe Anderson (@mayor_anderson) September 2, 2018
Fire crews were called to the building at 7.52pm and were on the scene within four minutes, but found the roof of the five-storey building well alight.
There were no reports of injuries.
Developer Capital & Centric said the building was protected by "24/7 security" and early indications were that the fire "possibly started on the roof not inside".
The company tweeted on Monday morning: "The fire crews seem to have it under control, still burning away but seems ok. Roof and floors probably gone, but so far the walls remain intact, fingers crossed. hats off to the fire fighters!"
Heartbroken tonight that our Littlewoods Building is on fire. Fire crews are trying to control it at the moment. Don't yet know the extent of the damage but part of the roof has collapsed. So upset 🙁
— CAPITAL&CENTRIC (@CapitalCentric) September 2, 2018
Quick update from #littlewoodsbuilding the fire crews seem to have it under control, still burning away but seems ok. Roof and floors probably gone, but so far the walls remain intact, fingers crossed 🤞 hats off to the fire fighters!
— CAPITAL&CENTRIC (@CapitalCentric) September 2, 2018
The building on Edge Lane was built in 1938 and was part of the football pool's coupons arm of the Littlewoods empire, built up by self-made tycoon Sir John Moores.
A series of redevelopment plans have fallen through over the years, although it had recently been sold with a plan to redevelop the site to become a major film and television studio hub, creating 350 jobs.
Twickenham Studios signed a deal with Capital & Centric to create a £50 million northern base at the site.
The film company tweeted: "Very sad news. Hope all are safe and sound tonight. Thinking of you over there."
