THESE pictures and video show the aftermath of a large fire, which was declared a major incident by the fire service, in Richmond.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the fire at the Harvest Energy filling station on Victoria Road yesterday (Friday).

Large plumes of smoke could be seen across the town after the fire broke out.

The fire service was still on the scene this afternoon.

Nick Allenby, Whitby Fire and Rescue Station Manager, said: "We were called around 2.30pm yesterday of reports of a fire in the shop.

"The shop was open at the time of the fire and everyone was evacuated safely."

He said the petrol pumps had been isolated before the fire service arrived.

Mr Allenby said: "Petrol pumps always have an isolation switch."

A 300 metre cordon was put around the area and homes were evacuated.

John Morris, a passer-by who lives in the town, said: "It's appalling - it's right in the centre of town. The main Richmond, Leyburn and Reeth roads have been blocked off.

"There was a chip shop fire in the centre of the town square some years ago but it wasn't as devastating as this."

Mr Allenby added: "It was declared a major incident - multi-agenices are looking into road closures."

Currently firefighters cannot enter the building in case it collapses.

The cause of the fire is unknown - an investigation is underway.