Blackpool Tower fire LIVE updates as emergency services descend on scene

People are being urged to stay away from Blackpool Tower amid reports of a fire.

Blackpool Tower confirmed the structure has been evacuated, while emergency services said they are currently at the scene. Images posted on social media this afternoon, December 28, appear to show flames emerging from the top of the tower.

A spokesperson for the attraction told our sister title LancsLive that a number of people have been evacuated from the building. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said six fire engines and a drone team are in attendance.

The fire service said: "We have 6 fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team currently in attendance at a fire on Promenade, Blackpool. Please stay away from the area. The drone team are in operation so please do not fly drones in the area as you may obstruct emergency operations."

Lancashire Police confirmed officers are also at the scene.

This is a breaking news story and you can follow live updates in our blog below.

The above shows video from the scene, taken by eyewitness Mark Ashmore.

An eyewitness has spoken of the 'chaos' around Blackpool Tower this afternoon.

They told LancsLive: "At least three fire engines arrived in a matter of minutes, and then the street behind the tower was cordoned off, so you can't get any closer. It's been absolute chaos down here - people don't expect something like this to happen to such a famous building.

"You can smell smoke down on the street and see what looks like flames coming from where I think the viewing platform is.

"We heard everyone inside had been evacuated. I hope nobody was hurt."

Members of the public are continuing to post pictures from the scene of the blaze

Police have reportedly evacuated the streets surrounding