A major incident has been declared after a fire broke out in the early hours at an accident and emergency department of a Lincolnshire hospital.
Patients and staff at Lincoln County Hospital were evacuated from the affected area, currently closed to the public until further notice.
Eye witnesses reported seeing at least five fire appliances at the scene of the blaze, which was reported at around 4.15am.
The trust which runs the hospital this morning confirmed a major incident had been declared.
In a statement the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We have this morning declared a major incident due to a fire at Lincoln County Hospital.
"Patients and staff were evacuated from the Emergency Department in the early hours of this morning. Nobody was injured and patients are now being cared for in other areas of the hospital. The fire has been extinguished, but our Emergency Department remains closed at this time.
"While we work to reopen our Emergency Department, we ask that you do not attend the department. If you require non-life-threatening urgent or emergency care, please call 111 or visit NHS 111 online for advice on the most appropriate service for your needs.
"Please continue to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies."
Patients with appointments for X-rays, CT and MRI were asked not to attend the hospital while other patients were told they would be contacted.
The Trust later added no one was injured in the blaze.
A statement read: "Patients and staff were evacuated from the emergency department in the early hours of this morning.
"Nobody was injured and patients are now being cared for in other areas of the hospital. The fire has been extinguished, but our emergency department remains closed at this time."
Lincolnshire Police Control Room announced the closure at 4.21am on Tuesday (March 29).
It said on Twitter: "Due to a fire at A& E in Lincoln hospital, it is currently closed until further notice, please avoid attending."
It is understood the fire has been extinguished but it is unknown what caused it earlier this morning.
The extent of the any damage, and the level of disruption to services is also unclear.
People have been advised to avoid the hospital if they can while investigations continue.
Reacting to the news, one person said on Twitter: "Oh my goodness, so sorry to learn of this, hope everyone including patients, doctors, nurses surgeons are safe."
Another added: "Oh my gods, it’s always absolutely bursting with sick people!!
"What a disaster."
