Demolition work begins on City Centre premises

Demolition work has begun after a fire broke out in a derelict three-storey building in Stoke-on-Trent city centre.

Dozens of firefighters were called to deal with the blaze on Stafford Street, Hanley, shortly before 00:40 BST on Thursday and battled it throughout the day as surrounding roads were closed.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Friday the blaze had been extinguished but crews remained at the scene to dampen down hot spots.

Officials from Stoke-on-Trent City Council were also in the area as demolition work began, with an investigation into the cause to take place in due course, the fire service added