A major emergency response remains underway in Hanley after a significant fire tore through a three-storey building in the city centre during the early hours of Thursday morning.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Stafford Street shortly after 12.40am on July 9 following reports of a fire. Six fire crews, supported by two aerial ladder platforms (ALPs), were dispatched to the scene, with firefighters working throughout the night to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

Image: Getty Images

The fire has affected the first floor, second floor and loft space of the property, prompting a large-scale operation involving multiple emergency services.

Staffordshire Police officers remain at the scene alongside gas engineers and structural engineers to ensure the area is safe while firefighters continue their work.

A large cordon has been put in place around Stafford Street, Lamb Street, Trinity Street and Foundry Street between New Hall Street and Trinity Street. Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area as road closures and disruption are expected to continue throughout Thursday morning and into the afternoon.

The dramatic overnight incident has attracted the attention of residents and commuters, with emergency vehicles remaining in the city centre as crews tackle hotspots and assess the stability of the building.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established and an investigation is expected to begin once the scene has been declared safe.

-

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service statement in full

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

"We are continuing to a respond to a fire affecting a three-storey building in Stoke-on-Trent. Crews were called to the scene shortly after 12.40am this morning (July 9) when the fire was reported on Stafford Street in Hanley.

"Six crews and two aerial ladder platforms (ALPs), have been working at the scene to bring the fire under control and minimise the spread to surrounding buildings.

"Crews have been using main jets and hose reel jets from Stafford Street and Foundry Street. A cordon is currently in place and is affecting the areas of Stafford Street, Lamb Street, Trinity Street and Foundry Street between New Hall Street and Trinity Street. We expect this disruption to continue into the morning and afternoon today.

"The fire is affecting the first floor, second floor and loft space of the building. Gas and a structural engineers are also on scene, alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police."

-

Emergency services have not reported any injuries in connection with the incident, and there is currently no indication of what caused the blaze. Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for some time while they continue damping down operations and carry out further safety checks. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the affected streets where possible and follow any diversion routes put in place while the emergency response continues.

The affected part of Stafford Street has long been a focus of regeneration efforts, with several older commercial buildings sitting vacant or partially occupied in recent years. Parts of Hanley have also experienced ongoing issues with rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour, leading to increased patrols and support initiatives from local agencies. However, emergency services have not suggested there is any connection between those wider issues and this fire, and the cause of the blaze will be established through a formal investigation once the scene is safe.