LIVE: 'Avoid the area' warning near Blackpool seafront as emergency services cordon off roads

An 'avoid the area' warning is in place near Blackpool seafront with multiple roads closed off by emergency services this evening.

Fire crews and police are at the scene of a major blaze on Wilton Parade, near to the North Promenade. A derelict building, thought to be a former hotel, has gone up in flames.

Police are urging people to avoid the area due to the multiple road closures in place. Video footage shared across social media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from one of the buildings.

Eight fire engines are currently in attendance, with nearby Dickson Road also blocked off while crews work at the scene.

This is a live incident. Updates to follow below.

We will bring you updates to this story tomorrow.

A local businessman took this image earlier tonight, showing the extent of the blaze.

New videos taken by Rene Schaefer this evening show how fire crews are continuing to battle the major blaze.

Huge flames can be seen escaping from the roof of the building with smoke filling the area.

An 'avoid the area' warning has been put in place by police, with locals urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

Dramatic videos this evening have shown fire crews continuing to tackle the blaze in Blackpool@MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/B388oFeRWI

Local residents and those in nearby properites have reportedly been evacuated this evening.

It is thought displaced locals have been advised to go to the nearby Imperial Hotel.

"Please stay safe my family been evacuated just glad there safe," one person posted on social media.

"Residents of neighbouring properties have been evacuated to the imperial hotel for the time being," another said.

Dramatic pictures shared by Blackpool 999s on social media shows the area filmed with