FIFTEEN fire engines have been sent to Sidwell Street, Exeter, to reports of smoke coming from a flat above a shop in the city.

Originally three crews attended the scene at around 1.45pm today but as the situation unfolded more were called in, including Dawlish and Exmouth.

Incident Commander Neil Blackburn confirmed the building, used for commercial and residential purposes, consists of four floors and a fire broke out in the basement and ground floor.

Crews are at work with 14 breathing apparatus, three holes reel jets and short extension ladder.

Residents in the area have been told to shut their windows if they can smell smoke.

The smoke has been billowing from the property all afternoon and can been seen from across the city and the smell of burning has been reported from as far away as Heavitree.

A Devon and Cornwall Police are asking people to avoid the area.

Road closures and diversions have been set up in the area.