A 'MAJOR incident' has been declared as firefighters continue to battle a huge fire in Reading's town centre.

People have been warned to avoid the area and an evacuation is underway while emergency services are on the scene.

The fire appears to have broken out in a building under construction in Garrard Street, with nearby Greyfriars Road also closed off as a result.

A statement from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Wokingham, Mortimer, Bracknell, Slough, Whitley Wood and Theale fire stations were sent to the scene.

"An Aerial Ladder Platform, Incident Command Unit and five Officers were also sent to the scene alongside crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire in a high-rise construction site. All persons on the site have been accounted for and crews remain at the scene of the incident at this time."

Adding: "Please avoid the area if possible to allow emergency services clear access to the scene. Further updates will be provided shortly."

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Thames Valley Police soon after declared the fire a major incident. Tweeting the below statement.

Adding: "Evacuations are ongoing as a precaution, but it is not believed that there are any casualties at this time.

"We are asking the public to please avoid the area and residents in the area to please keep doors and windows closed. More to follow."