FIRE crews called to battle a major blaze in Barrow are starting to bring it under control.

Eleven engines and scores of firefighters are on the scene of the incident in Abbey Road, Barrow.

The blaze is understood to have started in the House of Lords pub which is connected to Bar Continental in Abbey Road.

Both buildings have suffered major damage.

Bar Continental is understood to have been open at the time.

It has been reported that part of the building has collapsed.

Abbey Road remains closed from the roundabout with Duke Street to the junction of Hartington Street.

Properties in the area have been evacuated by police

Reception centres are being opened and those affected are being taken to The Forum.

Kenny McGuckin, 44, who lives in Collingwood Street with his partner Claire Forsyth and their two-year-old daughter, was also shocked to see the flames near his house.

He said: "I saw a post on Facebook and my partner heard the sirens so we rushed out the front to see what had happened.

"I don't think there would have been many people in the pub if it was open but you just don't know.

"I feel sorry for the firefighters - they will have to be there all night trying to put that out."

There is not believed to be any injuries.

Members of the public are asked to stay away from the area at this time and residents in Barrow Town Centre are asked to keep their windows closed due to the level of smoke.

More as this story develops