Fire breaks out at major UK cathedral

Emergency services are on the scene

The fire reportedly broke out at the cathedral at 2.45pm this afternoon as a cordon was put in place.

Staff evacuated the premises and have gathered outside the building.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed in a statement that its crews are at Liverpool Cathedral on Hope Street due to a fire.

The fire service said: "Crews were alerted at 2.44pm and on scene at 2.49pm, with two fire engines and one aerial appliance attending. Firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the top of the tower, with smoke visible.

"MFRS crews investigated and confirmed this was an electrical fire on the balcony on the top floor of the cathedral. Firefighters fought the fire, and the building was evacuated."

The service followed this up with another statement giving an update on the situation.

It read: "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 3.22pm the main body of fire was extinguished, Fire Service personnel are liaising with onsite staff to isolate utilities and make the scene safe.

"This incident is ongoing, please avoid the area."

Liverpool's Anglican cathedral is the largest in the UK and the fifth largest in the world.

It was built between 1904 and 1978.