RESIDENTS who have been left stranded after being evacuated from their homes and apartments following a huge blaze in Barrow are being offered refuge at The Forum.

The entertainment hub will keep its doors open long into the night as residents in Hawke Street and Abbey Road were evacuated after the House of Lords, which is connected to Bar Continental in Abbey Road, became engulfed in flames.

Tom Coyle, 56, who is from Stafford, was staying at Abbey Apartments and saw the building collapse from his window.

He said: "I saw the fire engine and looked out of the windows and thought that was that.

"It started off as a tiny red glow but within about 18 minutes it had turned into a massive fire and then 20 minutes after that the building collapsed.

"I have never seen anything like - it was a bit of a shock and it was quite scary because I was so close to it."

Barrow Borough Councillor Anne Burns was saddened to see the flames engulf a "beautiful building" which has been left destroyed.

She said: "I hope the residents are safe, that is my first concern.

"I really want to find out what caused it. It was such a beautiful building that is going to be another one gone from Barrow. It was worth saving in whatever state it was in. It was one of the most historic buildings in Barrow.

"The emergency services have done a fantastic job and it's great that they have opened up the Forum to get everyone here."

The Forum is set to stay open throughout the night and is offering free tea and coffee to anyone who has been evacuated.

They are in the process of trying to find hotels for residents to sleep in as it is unlikely that they will be allowed back to their homes.

St Mark's Church in Rawlinson Street, Barrow, will be open from 10am tomorrow to provide toiletries and clothes to families and crisis.