Fire at Bullitt Hotel in Belfast city centre under control

• Paul Reilly reports from the scene of the fire

A fire which broke out on the roof of a hotel in Belfast city centre is now under control.

Emergency crews were called to the scene at Bullitt Hotel on Tuesday afternoon. The fire is understood to have happened in the rooftop Babel bar.

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: "At the height of the incident there were 8 Fire Appliances, 1 Aerial Appliance, 1 Specialist Rescue Team, 1 Command Support Unit and 5 Officers with approximately 60 personnel involved."

Roads around the building had been closed to traffic for much of the afternoon and evening.

In a statement the hotel said all staff and guests had been evacuated to safety.

"Huge thanks to the emergency services for such a quick response. We are currently awaiting further details," it added.

Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster described news of the fire as "devastating".

He went on: "We understand that the emergency services are currently dealing with the blaze.

"Hospitality Ulster will do all we can to support the management and staff as the situation evolves."