Emergency crews are responding to a fire at a commercial building, with a major city centre road remaining closed to traffic. Seven fire appliances have been positioned along Friar Lane, which was sealed off during the morning of April 27. Thick dark smoke is rising from the premises housing the White Rouse Outlet. The exclusion perimeter extends to the junction with Wheeler Gate and Cafe Sobar. A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.

Jacob Ainsworth-Key was heading to work when he observed what was happening from his bus, which had stopped on Friar Lane. The 39-year-old from Radcliffe-on-Trent said he noticed some smoke as the bus neared the city centre close to the railway station. He explained that the vehicle then halted and dense smoke poured from the building’s windows. He added that the initial fire appliance turned up exactly as he was disembarking, with several more arriving shortly afterwards.

Numerous Trentbarton routes that typically use the busy Friar Lane have been diverted. A company spokesperson said the Nottingham section of Friar Lane is blocked because of a property fire at the White Rose. The Keyworth, Cotgrave, Mainline and Skylink Express services, along with skylink Nottingham, will end at the Park Plaza. Indigo and i4 services will terminate at the lighting shop. Staff members are escorting travellers from Friar Lane to substitute stops.

This remains an evolving news story. Keep checking our live blog for additional updates.