The fire was reported just after 6am, and involves a "number of properties", Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said. Police Scotland tweeted: "Our officers are currently assisting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealing with a large fire at George IV Bridge.

       Please be aware that there are numerous road closures in the vicinity of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row at present and avoid the area where possible."

       Scott Forbes retweeted a picture of smoke billowing over the city as a result of the blaze he said was centred on the Elephant House Cafe.

       @Farraquita, who took the pic, commented: "It was such a great place to be. Staff super nice.

       "I hope they can salvage it. What an unfortunate situation."

       Another picture, tweeted by Jhon Iorio, showed multiple emergency vehicles including fire engines, police cars and an ambulance on the scene - although there were no immediate reports of any casualties.

       Rachel Carr tweeted another picture, commenting: "Nothing like a fire to interrupt my perfectly timed walk to the station…"

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       Another witness told Edinburgh Live: "There is a fire in Frankenstein’s at the moment. The road is closed.

       "Just to let everyone know, in case you are driving that way or walking to work. Police and firefighters are working as I post."

       Other Witnesses reported smoke rising between the Frankenstein's pub and the Patisserie Valerie.

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       Edinburgh Central Library tweeted: "We're very sorry but we'll be closed today due to a fire on George IV Bridge.

       "Police have closed the road and we can't access the building. We'll post more when we get any news."

       BBC Scotland also warned of numerous road closures in the vicinity of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row, urging motorists to "avoid the area where possible".

       Traffic Scotland also tweeted details of a fog warning over the city - although it was not immediately clear whether this was in fact connected to the blaze.

       A Scotland Fire and Rescue Services and Police Scotland spokesman told Express.co.uk: “We were alerted at 6.18am on Tuesday, August 24 to reports of a building on fire at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

       “Operations Control mobilised nine appliances and two height vehicles to the scene where firefighters are tackling a fire affecting a number of properties.

       “Crews are still in attendance.”

       Express.co.uk has asked Scotland Ambulance Service about their involvement.

       (More to follow)