Police close the road after the fire

A fire broke out in a former shop of a former tradesman plumber, forcing the closure of the road.

Fire crews were called to Townsend Lane in Anfield just before 5pm today, May 30, following reports of a fire on the ground floor of the former Ryans Direct store. Neighbors said the shop had been empty “for years”. No injuries were reported.

When the ECHO arrived at the scene, four fire engines were in attendance, as well as five police vehicles. Police officers put in place a cordon which partially closed Townsend Lane from Priory Road to Bishop Road.

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A neighbor told the ECHO he saw “black smoke” coming from the building shortly before 5pm and immediately called 999. He said fire crews were there “within minutes”.

He added: “Firemen broke down the main door and put out the fire. Then they started cutting through the metal shutters.”

The number 14 bus was diverted in both directions but Townsend Lane has now reopened and services are running as normal.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a three-storey building measuring approximately 15m by 20m with the ground floor involved in fire.

“Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus began fighting the fire internally using two hose reel jets, while two other firefighters assisted externally with another hose reel jet. Fire crews currently remain at the scene to check hot spots.”

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