Fire at Whitchurch Sports Centre sees homes evacuated as smoke rises above Bristol

Huge plumes of dark smoke can be seen across Bristol due to a large fire in the south of the city.

It is understood the ongoing fire is at Whitchurch Sports Centre in Bamfield.

Residents say they have been told to keep their windows closed and there are several road closures in place.

A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 9.51am to reports of a fire at Whitchurch Sports Centre.

• Fire crews and police at the scene

There are 12 fire crews in attendance from Kingswood, Southmead, Bedminster, Temple, Bath and Weston-super-Mare.

The police are also in attendance and people living nearby are being told to keep their doors and windows closed and avoid the scene. 

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We are supporting Avon Fire and Rescue Service with a fire at the old Whitchurch Sports Centre, in Bristol, today."Officers have put road closures in place along Bamfield between Whitchurch Lane and Briery Leaze Road."We are also evacuating households in Paddock Garden as a precaution."

Ian Wolcott who works nearby at Hinton Rescue said: "The fire was so bad. Its a shame when things like this happen but I'm more worried about the business, it's right next door to the fire.

"All our staff have had to leave and we have no idea what's going to happen but what we do know is that we won't be allowed to go back in. And all of our cars, our personal belongings are in there."

The fire service says it does not believe anyone was inside the building when the fire broke out.

TravelWest said: "There is a road closure of Bamfield near Paddock Garden due to emergency services dealing with a fire.

"Avoid the area and use an alternative route."

More to follow.