Firefighters tackle blaze in dilapidated building on Winnington Street

Three fire engines and a rapid response rescue unit are currently tackling a fire in an old building on Winnington Street, beside the Bullring.

The fire broke out on the first floor of a three-storey derelict building at 2.45pm this afternoon, Sunday.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews gained entry through ground floor windows before two teams of firefighters in breathing apparatus used hose reels to fight the fire and managed to contain the blaze to the first floor of the premises."

Resources at the scene have now been reduced to two fire engines.

Firefighters are checking for hotspots in the building using thermal imaging cameras.

Three fire engines from Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich plus a rapid response unit from Middlewich dealt with the incident.

Winnington Street is closed and all traffic is being diverted back through the town centre.

Emergency services at the scene (Image: Jo Garratt)

Drivers are warned of traffic congestion and to avoid the area if possible.

Firefighters conducted final checks and waited for the property to be secured before handing the incident over just before 7pm.