A major fire in the city center of Sheffield prompted firefighters to advise residents to keep their windows and doors shut as thick, black smoke rose from a building near Hollis Croft and Rockingham Street. The fire, which occurred in a restaurant on Garden Street, is now contained with no casualties reported.

Authorities have urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area, as the cause of the fire remains unknown and there have been no confirmed injuries. Both Garden Street and Hollis Croft are closed for the next few hours while firefighters continue to dampen down the scene.

Emergency services, including two ambulances and the Hazardous Area Response Team, responded to the fire at Hot Pot Heroes takeaway on Garden Street after reports of flames on the roof and a fire alarm around midday. Despite initial speculation, no patients were taken to the hospital.

Unverified accounts suggested the fire may have started in a flat, as smoke and flames were visible from the building in Sheffield’s city center. Firefighters are currently on-site, advising those in the vicinity to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area. Citizens are encouraged to steer clear of the area until the incident is resolved safely.