Part of Exmouth town centre remains shut following fire

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Shops and homes were cordoned off

Part of Exmouth town centre in Devon is to remain shut overnight and for most of Friday following a fire in a shop which spread to other properties.

At one point more than 100 firefighters and 21 appliances were working to put out flames on buildings in the Parade.

The fire, now under control, is thought to have started just before 1300 GMT in a store room at Bargains Galore.

Most of the area previously cordoned off has reopened but the Parade is set to remain closed until Friday evening.

No-one was injured in the fire but it caused severe problems when it spread to the Conservative Club on one side, a sports club on the other side and to a number of flats behind.

Residents from three of the flats had to arrange alternative accommodation for the night because of damage caused to their homes.

Earlier the fire services issued a minor asbestos alert but said there was no danger to the public or fire crews.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but an investigation will be carried out by the fire service once it has been extinguished.