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Body found after huge Newcastle city centre fire

A body has been found after a major fire at a building in Newcastle city centre, which took more than 50 firefighters several hours to bring under control.

A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire Service said there was "concern about one person."

Police and fire crews are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze.

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81-year-old feared to be Newcastle fire victim

Pictures show the damaged building after the blaze Credit: ITV News

An 81-year-old shopkeeper is believed to be the victim of a huge fire in Newcastle city centre yesterday.

In a statement, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said the believe the body found to be that of Brian Sandells, a popular local figure and the owner of the Kard Bar - the shop caught up in the blaze.

The damage caused by the fire has made the structure of the building potentially unsafe and so it has been extremely difficult for fire and police officers to get inside the building and carry out a full investigation of the premises.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and a full investigation will be carried out.

A limited search has been undertaken and we can confirm that a body has been located in the building.

Although a formal identification has not been made it is believed that this may be the body of 81-year-old Brian Sandells.

Brian is known to live at Kard Bar and has not been seen since yesterday and his family have been unable to contact him.

Northumbria Police are keeping the family updated and will continue to support them at this difficult time.

– Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

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