Major fire hits 'oldest hotel in England'
Dozens of firefighters are tackling a blaze that broke out overnight in Exeter city centre and has spread to the historic Royal Clarence Hotel, believed to be England's oldest hotel.
Main routes including the High Street, Queen Street and Cathedral Green have been cordoned off.
The fire is believed to have broken out in the middle of the night at a fine art gallery and spread to the 247-year-old building. Crews were called to South Street end of Exeter High Street at 5.20am.
The Royal Clarence Hotel was evacuated as a precaution. Josephine Swinhoe was one of those forced to leave.
The fire may also have spread to shops on the High Street side of the terraced buildings.
No one is thought to have been hurt but the fire is still raging in the affected properties.
Aerial turntable ladders are being used to fight the flames from the air as well as from the ground.
Councillor Pete Edwards from Exeter City Council has praised firefighters for trying to prevent the blaze spreading to neighbouring buildings, including the Royal Clarence Hotel which was built in 1769.
Police have closed off the area and cordons remain in place while fire crews tackle the blaze. Princesshay and Guildhall shopping centres can still be accessed but not from the High Street side.
Officers say there is likely to be traffic disruption due to road closures while the emergency services deal with the incident.