Major blaze at Belfast shopping centre

A major fire today caused extensive damage at one of Belfast’s best-known shopping developments.

Large numbers of fire fighters are bringing the blaze at Boucher Crescent under control.

At least one store in the shopping precinct has been destroyed and others have been damaged.

Police said the area had been sealed off while the emergency was being dealt with.

There are no reports of injuries.

Fifteen fire appliances and more than 80 personnel tackled the blaze.

Officials said three units were seriously damaged and nine affected by smoke.

The Boucher Retail Park in the south west of the city is close to the M1 motorway, sparking fears of traffic disruption as a result of the alert.