A BUILDING has collapsed in Pollokshields after firefighters battled a blaze in a shop for hours.

Emergency services were called to the Spice Garden in Albert Drive around 11.30 pm last night.

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before the building collapsed just after 5.30 am. 

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Pictures and videos Jamie Simpson

Residents were evacuated from their homes, which sit above the veg and food shop, and one man has been taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. 

At the height of the fire, at least nine fire engines and two height appliances attended the scene. 

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In a video sent by an Evening Times reader, hero firefighters can be seen pouring water onto the roof of the inferno in a bid to bring it under control. 

Today, some residents have no power and no water pressure at the moment. 

Scottish Water said the hydrants in use had caused the water problems in the area. 

SP Energy networks advised that they removed electricity supplies at 4 am after a request from the emergency services.

Pollokshields Primary School is also closed to pupils. 

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A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "At around 11.30 pm, police were called to a report of a shop on fire in Albert Drive in Pollokshields.

"A number of residents have been evacuated from their homes.

"One man has been treated for smoke inhalation and he was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as a precaution.

"No reports of any further injuries.

"The building which included flats above has collapsed at 5.40 am this morning. 

"Officers remain at the scene and enquiries are continuing."

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Glasgow City Council said Albert Drive has been closed to all traffic between Shields Road and St Andrews Road.​

A Police Scotland spokesman added: "Road closures are currently in place in and around Albert Drive in the Pollockshields area of Glasgow, this is due to an ongoing incident being dealt with by Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland.  Road closures are expected to be in place for several hours." 

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also took to Twitter to offer her support to residents.

She said: "Dreadful news for affected residents and businesses in Pollokshields - any constituents who need assistance, please e-mail or call my office."

St Albert's Primary opened its doors to those affected by the fire.

The school said on Twitter: "To all our families and other children in Pollokshields affected by the fire.

"The school is open we can keep you warm, get food and access to phones.

"We also have some children’s clothes. Come along if you need us."

Councillor Jon Molyneux took to social media to thank the emergency services.

He said: "Huge thanks to the emergency services for keeping people safe.

"Having been directly affected by a tenement fire in Pollokshields previously I know how devastating this will be for those who’ve had to leave their homes and are facing an uncertain future. My thoughts are with all those affected. Social Work can assist those who require emergency accommodation."

He added that he will hold a special surgery in Pollokshields Community Centre, at 4 pm. 

The Madrasa Taleem Ul Islam on Nithsdale Road said their thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.

A spokesman said: "We woke up this morning to the terrible news of a devastating fire at the Albert Drive/Kenmure Street cross. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.

"We thank our brave emergency services, in particular, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for battling through the night to contain the blaze and keep everyone safe."

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SFRS Incident Commander, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer James McNeil, said: “This has undoubtedly been a challenging and protracted incident that required considerable resources to meet.

“Firstly, I would like to thank our crews for their efforts – working in difficult conditions throughout the night – in bringing this fire under control.

“I would also like to thank the community for their patience and support throughout the incident, and recognise the hard work put in by our partners, other emergency services and the local authority.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to work alongside our Police Scotland colleagues to establish the full facts and circumstances of the fire.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were alerted at 11.31 pm on Sunday, November 10 to reports of a fire within a building.

“Operations Control mobilised a total of nine fire appliances and two height appliances to Albert Drive in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow.

“The fire had initially taken hold within a commercial premise and thereafter affected a number of dwelling flats above.

“Residents were evacuated. One person was taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation. There were no further casualties.

“Crews worked through the night to surround and contained the fire which, due to its severity, caused a partial collapse of the building.

“Firefighters are now involved in an extensive dampening down operation which is expected to last throughout Monday, November 11.

“A total of six fire appliances and two height appliances remain at the scene.”

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “A rest centre is still in operation at Tramway where residents are being offered assistance and advice from our staff, and we will continue to liaise with the emergency services. 

“Our building control officers are on site. Pollokshields Primary School and Pollokshields Early Years Centre are closed today and the staff will keep families updated with information.”