A huge blaze has engulfed a building at Glasgow Central Station causing it to partially collapse.
The fire started in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday afternoon, with the B-listed Victorian building collapsing several hours later as flames spread.
All train services to or from the station’s high level have been cancelled and National Rail said the station – which is Scotland’s busiest – will be closed until further notice. No casualties have been reported.
Large crowds gathered at the edge of cordons on Renfield Street and Gordon Street to watch the fire, as emergency services urged people to stay away.
Following a meeting at midnight, Network Rail said: “As things stand we’ve not identified any significant damage to the station. We’ll get this fully assessed at first light.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said more than 60 firefighters and 15 vehicles were in attendance at the scene.
Six crews were initially sent to the scene on Union Street at about 15:45 local time, but the fire worsened into the evening.
Smoke had initially been seen billowing out of the building next to an entrance to the station.
However within hours flames could be seen, with eyewitnesses describing it on social media as looking “catastrophic”.
The building known as Union Corner – at the junction of Union Street and Gordon Street – dates back to 1851.
It pre-dates the station itself which opened in 1879.
Police cordoned off the street between Gordon Street and St Vincent Street when the fire started. Diversions have been put in place.
People have been urged to avoid the area and police have advised residents to keep their windows closed.
In a statement issued at 22:30 local time, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters continue to work to extinguish a large building fire on Union Street, Glasgow.
“At its height, 15 fire appliances and specialist resources, including three high-reach vehicles and a water rescue team, were mobilised to the area.
“There are no reported casualties, and crews remain at the scene.”