GLASGOW city centre is in lockdown as firefighters warn businesses to remain indoors and keep their windows closed due to the suspected presence of asbestos in the air.

More than 120 firefighters are currently working to extinguish a significant fire in Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street after the alarm was raised at around 8.18am.

Operations Control has mobilised a total of 20 fire engines to the scene of the fire which has taken hold of several commercial properties.

There are no casualties but residents are being advised to remain indoors and close their windows as a precautionary measure.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, who is the SFRS Director of Response and Resilience and the Incident Commander at the scene, said: "This is an extremely challenging incident, but the response and professionalism of our firefighters has been outstanding.

"Crews immediately and safely evacuated the occupants of several nearby buildings.

"This will be a protracted incident and crews will remain on the scene as they work to prevent further fire spread and damage in this prominent city centre location.

"We would urge the occupants of surrounding buildings to remain indoors and keep their windows closed due to the suspected presence of asbestos."

Read more from The Evening Times on the Sauchiehall Street fire: