Delays after road closed by fire

A main road in Birmingham is expected to remain closed for several hours after a major fire at a row of shops.

Nine residents in the flats next to the shops in Stratford Road in Sparkhill were forced to leave their homes on Tuesday evening.

The flames spread through the roof before it collapsed. No one was hurt. One lane is closed at the junction with Durham Rd and Showell Green Lane.

West Midlands Fire Service said the fire was started accidentally.

Mick Birch, of West Midlands Fire Service, said smoke was reportedly seen coming out of a third floor window.

He said: "It's a flat, with a clothing shop below.

"Smoke was seen from a window and people were seen at the windows of the adjacent properties and they managed to get out.

"We have searched the building now and all persons are accounted for.

"The adjacent buildings are damaged and the inward road is closed to traffic and will be for a while."