A fire has broken out at Liverpool Central Station, with the station being evacuated as plumes of smoke rise from the area.

Fire crews were called to the station at 4.38pm and arrived on the scene just five minutes later.

A statement from Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: "Fire crews have been called to a fire at a loading bay for shops located at Central Station, Ranelagh St., Liverpool, this afternoon.

"Crews were alerted at 4.38pm and on scene at 4.43pm, with three fire engines and the search and rescue team in attendance.

"Crews arrived to find an external building at ground level to the rear of the station involved in a fire. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire which remained contained to the loading bay. The fire was extinguished by 5.18pm, firefighters remain at the scene."

Fire crews were called to the station at 4.38pm and arrived on the scene just five minutes later