Huge fire engulfs UK block of flats as thick black smoke billows out into sky

A huge fire has engulfed a block of flats in a UK city with thick black smoke seen billowing into the sky.

Emergency services are at the scene, in Lancaster, where a block of student flats are on fire.

Six fire engines from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene, with police maintaining a presence too.

Lancashire Police are also present at the scene. In an statement, the force said: "We are currently assisting the fire service with an incident on Parliament St Lancaster.

"This has resulted in numerous road closures: Cable Street from Sainsburys towards greyhound bridge, Parliament St (both directions) and Back Caton Road are currently all closed.

"You are advised to avoid the area which may be closed for some time."

Currently, people are advised to avoid the area. Locals have shared photos and videos of the fire on social media, and say it's coming from a new student apartment block in the city, LancsLive reported.

One person in the area wrote: "Construction site on fire near Farmfoods in Lancaster. Please avoid the area."

They added: "Please avoid Parliament Street due to ongoing major incident."

Several road closures are in place, according to Lancashire Police.

In a post on Facebook, the police force shared: "We are currently assisting the fire service with an incident on Parliament Street, Lancaster. This has resulted in numerous road closures.

"Cable Street from Sainsburys towards Greyhound bridge, Parliament St (both directions) and Back Caton Road are currently ALL CLOSED. You are advised to avoid the area which may be closed for some time."