Blandford Street fire LIVE: Firefighters tackle huge blaze at shop in Sunderland city centre

Fire crews have been working through the night to bring a major fire in Sunderland city centre under control.
The fire was visible across the city.The fire was visible across the city.
The fire was visible across the city.

Firefighters were called to the city's Blandford Street at around 6pm on Wednesday to reports of the fire, with an "orange glow" and billowing smoke visible across the city. Many took to the streets to watch the blaze unfold, while emergency services put a cordon in place. It remains at the scene this morning. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service urged families across the city to avoid the area and close their windows as they worked to extinguish the fire. We will be bringing you the latest updates from the scene.