Five fire engines are attending the blaze on London Road. The fire is located on the second floor of a three-storey building.

       Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze just before 1pm.

       Pictures show fire engines and firefighters at the scene as plumes of smoke billow into the air.

       Road closures are in place and the area has been cordoned off as firefighters tackle the blaze.

       People are being urged to avoid the area.

       A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are in attendance at a building fire on London Road in Liverpool City Centre.

       "Crews were alerted a little before 1pm on Sunday, January 2 2022 and five fire engines were on scene shortly after.

       "This is a three-storey building approx. 70x70m, a well-developed fire has been located on the 2nd floor.

       "Firefighter activities include one main branch and two hose reels externally.

       "The incident has been sectorised.

       "Two teams of two firefighters in breathing apparatus are preparing to enter through the front of the building.

       "Road closures are in place.

       "This is an ongoing incident."

       In an update at 2.15pm, the fire service said: "Two teams of two BA wearers and one main branch have now ceased firefighting activities to the rear of the property as the fire to this part of the building has been extinguished.

       "Firefighting operations are now in the process of being moved to support our effort at the front of the building."

       The smoke can be seen from across the city, Liverpool Echo reports.