A major fire broke out at Foodworld supermarket on Stratford Road in Sparkhill, Birmingham, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Multiple fire crews were called to the scene at 4:55am to tackle what West Midlands Fire Service described as a "significant fire" at the mixed commercial and residential premises.

The blaze led to the closure of Stratford Road in both directions, with thick black smoke billowing from the property.

West Midlands Fire Service posted on social media: "We have multiple crews in attendance at a fire on Stratford Road, Sparkhill involving a significant fire at a mixed commercial and residential premises. Please avoid the area, where possible."

Police at the scene in Birmingham

Eyewitnesses said a car rammed into the supermarket

According to a witness, the fire appears to have been caused by a car being rammed into the supermarket.

Local property developer Isaac Zintaan, 28, said residents at his nearby premises alerted him after hearing what they described as a "loud explosion like a bomb went off."

"Everyone was coughing due to the intensity of the smoke," Mr Zintaan told reporters.

Footage taken by the witness showed a Land Rover on fire with its rear facing the property, suggesting it had reversed into the building.

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the evening