Flames rip through Liverpool's famous Littlewoods Pools building

he building had recently been sold with a plan to redevelop the site to become a major film and television studio hub. Credit: PA

Firefighters are battling a huge blaze at the famous Littlewoods Building in Liverpool.

Six fire crews are at the scene of the Art-Deco building, with an area measuring 200m by 100m on fire from the first floor of the building upwards, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said.

Crews using breathing apparatus have entered the building to tackle the fire, and two main jets are being used to douse the flames from the outside.There are no reports of injuries.

The fire service was first alerted at 7.52pm and were on scene within four minutes, but found the roof of the five-storey building well alight.

The building, on Edge Lane, Liverpool, was built in 1938 and was part of the football pools coupons arm of the Littlewoods empire, built up by self-made tycoon Sir John Moores.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 7.52pm. Credit: PA

It had stood empty since 2003, and a series of redevelopment plans had fallen through.

But the building had recently been sold with a plan to redevelop the site to become a major film and television studio hub, creating 350 jobs.

The building had recently signed a deal that would bring 350 jobs to Liverpool. Credit: PA

Twickenham Studios has signed a deal with developer Capital & Centric to create a £50m northern base at the site.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson tweeted: "Absolutely heartbreaking news that the iconic Littlewoods Building is ablaze, looks pretty bad at this stage, let's hope and pray its salvageable."

A police cordon is in place and the fire service say the incident is ongoing.