A huge fire has engulfed a former restaurant destroying part of the roof.

Eight fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were called just after midnight on Monday to a blaze at the derelict Baffitos restaurant close to Preston docks.

Crews battled through the night to bring the fire under control and at 8am on Tuesday, three engines remained at the scene.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Posting on Twitter at around 1am on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the fire service said: "We have eight fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms at a fire in derelict restaurant on Navigation Way, Preston.

"Firefighters are trying to bring the fire involving the roof under control."

Lancashire Telegraph:

The building, which sits adjacent to the swing bridge on the marina, has been derelict for around 13 months.

During lockdown, travellers set up a site in the car park of the former Italian eatery but moved on after a couple of months.

The spokesperson added: "Firefighters will remain at the scene for most of the night where they will continue to extinguish the fire and make the scene safe.

"No injuries have been reported and the police have been called to assist with the fire investigation."