Firefighters are currently tackling a blaze at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, as visitors and staff have been warned to stay back.
Footage showed smoke billowing out of the top of the cathedral on St James’ Mount, before fire crews arrived at the scene just before 2.50pm.
The iconic building, which is the UK’s biggest cathedral, was evacuated and fire services said the main body of the fire was extinguished at 3.22pm.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: ‘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.
‘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.
Pictured: Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, which was on fire today
‘This incident is ongoing, please avoid the area.’
A spokesperson for Liverpool Cathedral said: ‘We are aware of the recent fire at our site and apologise for any concern or disruption this incident may have caused.
‘We are cooperating with the relevant authorities as investigations are carried out to determine the cause of the incident. The Cathedral is now closed for today.
‘We would like to sincerely thank the fire and rescue service for their swift response and support, which has been invaluable.
‘We are expected to be open as normal tomorrow. However, the tower will remain closed.’
A fire engine remains at the scene around the back of the cathedral, Liverpool Echo reported.
A group of women from Tennessee were visiting the cathedral during a stop in Liverpool as part of their cruise aboard the Majestic Princess.
One woman said: ‘We came to visit, but were told it was closed because of a fire.
‘We hope it’s only a small fire, as we’d hate to see any damage.’
They added that it was their first time in the city and that they plan to return to the cathedral on a future visit.
Staff at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral were not allowed back into the building, and waited outside with visitors.
Although the main body of the fire has been put out, a fire engine, along with a fire service car and a police car, are still at the scene.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is the fifth largest cathedral in Europe and the largest in Britain.
