Over 60 firefighters along with ten appliances have been dealing with a fire at an apartment block and commercial premises in Derry city centre.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze at Lower Clarendon street was reported at just before midday on Monday, October 16.
The incident is ongoing and part of Strand Road is closed to traffic.
The apartment block contains nearly 50 flats and a Chinese restaurant.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has praised the efforts of firefighters tackling blaze.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I’d like to thank the scores of firefighters who have spent hours working to extinguish this blaze in the heart of our city centre on Monday.
“This incident has caused significant disruption in our city, but I know that those present are doing all they can to get this fire under control.
“This will be a very concerning time for the residents who live in this building and the business owner and staff impacted.
“My thoughts are with them as we wait to see the damage that has been caused as a result of this fire.
“I would ask people in the area to work with the fire service and police until this fire is extinguished.
“We saw a major fire in this area a number of years ago which will no doubt have made this incident all the more difficult for those affected.
“I hope to see this operation concluded soon with minimal damage caused to the properties involved.”
