Etihad Stadium fire LIVE as blaze breaks out ahead of Man City vs Club Brugge game

A fire broke out outside the Etihad stadium this evening as thousands of fans were arriving for the game.

Footage and pictures taken online show how the blaze erupted at a concession stand near to the Colin Bell West entrance.

Fire engines arrived on blue lights shortly before 6pm as the gathering crowds were moved back and evacuated from the area.

The fire came just two hours before the major UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge. Details around how the blaze started has not yet been confirmed, but it took hold of one of the merchandise kiosks.

Smoke could be seen overhead for miles due to the fire, which was later put out by emergency crews at the scene.

Manchester City confirmed the blaze was reported in one of the outdoor kiosks and that players arriving ahead of the game were brought in through other entrances.

This is a breaking incident. Updates to follow.

The merchandise stall outside the Etihad stadium this evening has been left in tatters after being ravaged by the fire.

The blaze erupted shorlty before 6pm tonight, with emergency services rushing to the area as crowds of fans were moved away.

The fire was quickly brought under control and put out by crews - with pictures now showing the damage caused to the kiosk.

Watch our live report below:

Clouds of smoke could be seen for miles after the fire erupted at the Etihad stadium this evening.

Pictures taken showing the skyline this evening showed how smoke could be seen filling the sky and billowing over the stadium grounds.

Manchester City FC writer Joe Bray said: "City have cancelled the planned arrival of the first team bus at the normal West Reception due to the fire outside and it has gone into the stadium through the tunnel under the