Council office fire probe begins

The fire damaged part of the building. Picture: Dale Neal, BBC

An investigation has begun into the cause of a fire at council buildings in Leicester city centre.

Crews were called to the New Walk Centre in King Street when a fire broke out on the fifth floor on Sunday morning.

The extent of the damage to the building is still being assessed.

The underground car park below the building remains closed - visitors have been instructed to use the nearest public car parks instead.

Roads around the building were cordoned off and a hazardous incident support unit was sent to the scene.

Fire crews spent most of Sunday afternoon damping down.

Sheila Lock, Leicester City Council's chief executive said: "Both blocks will open as usual, and all staff should report to work unless they are contacted by their manager to say otherwise.

"We do have some fire damage to contend with, but have good business continuity plans in place to ensure that work can continue as usual.

"I would like to reassure members of the public that it will be business as usual for us, and that none of our frontline services will be affected."