EMERGENCY services have rushed to the scene of a "massive" fire in Glasgow City Centre.

Several appliances are on Sauchiehall Street as a section of the street - from Poundland up to Hope Street - is completely cordoned off.

Renfrew Lane - behind the Pavilion Theatre - is also closed.

LIVE UPDATES: Sauchiehall Street grinds to halt as 'massive' fire breaks out

Unconfirmed reports have suggested the fire may have started in Victoria's amid refurbishment work.

An eyewitness at the scene told the Evening Times: "It's massive. Dramatic scenes here in what's usually a bustling street.

"The firefighters are battling to bring flames under control near Holland & Barrett.

"The smoke is so thick, you can barely see or breathe."

"I wouldn't be surprised if the street was closed off for the rest of the day."

Seven appliances are on the scene along with police and a command support unit.

Police Scotland said officers were made aware of an incident in Sauchiehall Street at 8.25am and are currently at the scene.

LIVE UPDATES: Sauchiehall Street grinds to halt as 'massive' fire breaks out

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 8.18am on Thursday, March 22 to reports of a well-developed fire which had taken hold within the roof space of a commercial premise.

“Operations Control mobilised a number of fire engines to Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, where firefighters are currently on the scene tackling the fire.

“Crews have safely evacuated the occupants of several nearby properties.”

Community answers

City Centre fire

"Readers are reporting they can see smoke from the fire across the city, share your pics in our online gallery"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Amanda Gemmell

What is your response?View from a local office at the back of the building. At one point could see the flames and the smell of smoke throughout the building!

Your pictures

Glasgow Times: View from a local office at the back of the building. At one point could see the flames and the smell of smoke throughout the building!View from a local office at the back of the building. At one point could see the flames and the smell of smoke throughout the building!

From Alan Brown

What is your response?Sauchiehall st fire

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Glasgow Times: Sauchiehall st fireSauchiehall st fire

From Margaret Jamieson

What is your response?Town is murder for traffic as saychiehall st still all cut of total mahem.

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Glasgow Times: Town is murder for traffic as saychiehall st still all cut of total mahem.Town is murder for traffic as saychiehall st still all cut of total mahem.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Fire seen from g52

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Glasgow Times: Fire seen from g52Fire seen from g52
Glasgow Times: Fire seen from g52Fire seen from g52

From Michael Youmans

What is your response?Sauchiehall street fire.

Your pictures

Glasgow Times: Sauchiehall street fire.Sauchiehall street fire.
Glasgow Times: Sauchiehall street fire.Sauchiehall street fire.