Birmingham roads closed due to huge fire with four rescued from burning building

A huge fire has broken out in Birmingham leaving a major road closed in both directions. 50 firefighters are on the scene - with four people needing to be rescued from the second floor.

Firefighters were called to the building just before 4:45am on Tuesday 19 December.

West Midlands Fire Service says the fire is at a "void property" on the A41 Soho Hill in Handsworth. The service added that "firefighting is being hampered due to the building structure being unsafe."

Four men were rescued from the second floor of the building - the fire service says the men "left the scene shortly after being rescued."

The road is closed in both directions, with Villa Road to Terrace Road also shut.

The fire service has stated: "The main seats of fire are now out, but five fire crews and an aerial platform remain at the scene. "Local road closures are likely to be in place until lunchtime, because of the dangerous state of the building and our ongoing work."

They're also advising residents in the area to "keep all windows and doors shut," and to be aware of traffic and road closures nearby.

Some bus services have been disrupted, with National Express West Midlands advising travellers to allow more time for their journeys.

Local road closures are expected to remain in place until lunchtime.

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