ROAD CLOSURES are in place in and around Durham city centre due to a large fire at Milburngate.
Police officers have closed nearby roads including Milburngate Bridge, Framwellgate and Crossgate Peth while fire crews tackle the fire.
Motorists and pedestrians have been urged to avoid the area and find an alternative route.
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Our colleagues from Durham Constabulary have closed the surrounding roads while our crews bring the fire under control."
Read more: Durham City Centre fire: Live updates from the scene
What is closed?
A690 Milburngate Bridge both ways closed, queueing traffic due to building fire and smoke blowing across the road from A691 Framwellgate (Millburngate) to Gilesgate Roundabout.
Congestion to affecting traffic on Newcastle Road around Sainsburys and traffic coming from Houghall Campus.
The fire is along the Riverside near the new housing development. Framwellgate Perth and Crossgate Perth are also closed to stop traffic from heading near to the fire.
Bus services in the city centre are also severely affected with provider Arriva saying it had suspended all services in the city.
Go North East has also reported severe delays with buses not stopping in the city.
"Services are currently unable to serve stops between Sherburn road ends and Claypath," it said.
Thick clouds of smoke, dust and ash can be seen above the town - and emergency services have closed the roads to ensure the safety of every one nearby.
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