Huge fire at Glasgow Central Station prompts evacuations as building collapses

A huge blaze has engulfed a building at Glasgow Central Station causing it to partially collapse.

The fire started in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday afternoon, with the B-listed Victorian building collapsing several hours later as flames spread.

All train services to or from the station's high level have been cancelled and National Rail said the station - which is Scotland's busiest - will be closed until further notice. No casualties have been reported.

Large crowds gathered at the edge of cordons on Renfield Street and Gordon Street to watch the fire, as emergency services urged people to stay away.

Following a meeting at midnight, Network Rail said: "As things stand we've not identified any significant damage to the station. We'll get this fully assessed at first light."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said more than 60 firefighters and 15 vehicles were in attendance at the scene.

Six crews were initially sent to the scene on Union Street at about 15:45 local time, but the fire worsened into the evening.

Smoke had initially been seen billowing out of the building next to an entrance to the station.

However within hours flames could be seen, with eyewitnesses describing it on social media as looking "catastrophic".

BBC Scotland staff at the scene described seeing the dome on the corner of the building falling in during the inferno.

They added that four floors of the building appeared to still be standing, with embers of the blaze visible inside them.

The Sexy Coffee shop, based in the building, posted that it had been destroyed.

They said: "We are absolutely devastated to confirm that the shop has sadly been destroyed in the fire.

"It is heartbreaking for us and our team, especially after the support and loyalty we have received from so many of you over the years."

The owner of the Willow hair salon posted saying that her business had been burned to the ground as a result of the blaze.

The Voco Grand Central Hotel at the station has been evacuated, with everyone moved to another hotel in the city.

First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the scenes and urged people to follow the advice of the emergency services.

The station will not reopen on Monday morning.

No ScotRail services will operate to or from the high level and services will not call at the low level but will pass through the station to stop at Argyle Street and Anderson on Monday.

There will also be limited replacement transport available. ScotRail will update passengers on social media, on its website and on its app.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "We are sorry to customers for the impact this will cause, and we would urge them to check their journey options before they travel."

Avanti West Coast said passengers will be able to use their tickets at no extra cost on LNER services between Edinburgh and London King's Cross.

TransPennine Express said its services between Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport will not run on Monday and there will not be any rail replacement buses.

The building known as Union Corner - at the junction of Union Street and Gordon Street - dates back to 1851.

It pre-dates the station itself which opened in 1879.

Police cordoned off the street between Gordon Street and St Vincent Street when the fire started. Diversions have been put in place.

People have been urged to avoid the area and police have advised residents to keep their windows closed.

In a statement issued at 22:30 local time, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters continue to work to extinguish a large building fire on Union Street, Glasgow.

"At its height, 15 fire appliances and specialist resources, including three high-reach vehicles and a water rescue team, were mobilised to the area.

"There are no reported casualties, and crews remain at the scene."