A CITY centre was cordoned off as fire services fought a fierce blaze.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) rushed to St Martin’s Square in Chichester at about 11pm yesterday to deal with the fire.

Five fire engines were sent to the scene and attempted to get the blaze under control using two hose reel jets.

At the time a WSFRS spokesman said: “We are currently dealing with a fire in the St Martin’s Square area of Chichester.

“Five of our appliances are at the scene of the fire, using two hose reel jets and four sets of breathing apparatus.

“We would urge people to avoid the area at this time.”

The area was cordoned off.

The spokesman later added: “Crews are continuing to dampen down the scene and ventilate. Please avoid the area for the time being.”

Crews were at the scene for more than three hours.

At about 1am today, WSFRS sent another update on the situation.

A spokesman said: “Five of our appliances attended the fire in Chichester city centre earlier this evening, which saw the area near the market cross cordoned off while we brought the fire under control.”