Pictures show how dozens of firefighters descended on Newcastle city centre to tackle blaze in disused building

More than 30 firefighters descended on Carliol Square to tackle a fire at a disused building

Over 30 firefighters responded to an area of Newcastle city centre to tackle a huge blaze at a disused building.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing from a former commercial building in the centre of the city on Wednesday night and eight fire vehicles responded to the call-out. Police and firefighters arrived on scene shortly before 7pm and officers cordoned off the area.

Residents were urged to close all windows and doors and motorists were told to find alternative routes after the northbound and southbound carriageways of the Central Motorway were closed.