Two people were injured following a hotel fire as guests were evacuated.
A huge emergency services response attended the blaze at The Richmond hotel on Hatton Garden today at around 1.50pm. Police and fire crews cordoned off the road and began directing people from the area.
One guest told an ECHO reporter he heard a "loud sound" and was told a fire had broken out in one of the rooms. He said they were evacuated and were told not to expect to be back in for another two hours.
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Other evacuated hotel guests said they came out to see smoke billowing from a window. Also said that the evacuation was handled calmly. Two people were injured following the fire and was treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).
Eight fire engines were called to the scene. It was confirmed the fire was on the third floor of the five storey building. Six firefighters went into the hotel to tackle the blaze and search for any people inside.
At around 2.45pm, the fire was extinguished. The scene was scaled down at around 3.40pm and five fire engines remained at the scene where crews assisted in checking rooms.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said an investigation into the fire will take place in due course. They said: "Eight fire engines and an aerial appliance are currently at scene. Firefighting has commenced under rapid deployment using 1 main branch hose.
"This is a confirmed fire on the third floor of a five storey building. Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have entered the property and are tackling the fire and searching for any occupants.
"Two casualties are being treated at scene by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) paramedics. Further details will be provided here when information becomes available.
This is an ongoing incident. The fire has now been extinguished and ventilation is in progress using electric fans. This incident has now been scaled down to five fire engines, crews are assisting in checking rooms. An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place in due course."
