Major fire in Ballymena town centre

Nearly 60 firefighters are dealing with a major blaze at a furniture shop in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

The fire started at Woodgreen Furniture on Broughshane Street at about 5pm on Tuesday.

Extensive damage has been caused at the centre of the fire, which has spread to affect at least five businesses on the terraced street.

It was already well alight when emergency services arrived on the scene.

The area has been cordoned off while firefighters try to bring the situation under control.

Crews have been brought in from surroundings area, with eight fire engines, two aerial appliances and a specialist command support unit being used to tackle the flames.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “On arrival at the incident, initial crews were confronted by a well-developed fire in the property.

“A total of 58 firefighters are on the fire ground and extensive fire-fighting operations are still ongoing.”

PSNI confirmed on Wednesday that Broughshane Street would remain closed to traffic for some time.