Luton Carnival goes ahead after major fire breaks out nearby

A major fire has broken out in the centre of a planned carnival route in Luton.

One man suffered burns and had to be taken to hospital.Thousands of people had already arrived in the town centre, ready to take part in the day's festivities when Park Street had to be cordoned off.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the roof above Resto Cafe, close to the initial meeting point for the carnival procession.

The building was evacuated, with around 20 to 30 people including babies and children leaving the flats above the cafe.

Four fire crews quickly arrived at the scene and at least a dozen firefighters were seen entering the building wearing breathing apparatus.

The carnival procession did go ahead as planned after a short delay that the council said was not due to the fire.

This year is the 48th year of the celebration. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are currently tackling a significant fire in Park Street, Luton.

"The situation is ongoing and we advise the public to avoid the immediate area."

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called just after midday to a fire at a property on Park Street in Luton and dispatched an ambulance to the scene. "An adult man, who had sustained a burn to his arm, was transported to Luton and Dunstable Hospital for treatment."

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