Crews battle overnight fire which spread across Kilmarnock shops

Fire crews have been tackling a blaze in a number of buildings in the centre of Kilmarnock.

Emergency services were initially called to reports of a “well-developed” blaze on the ground floor of a four-storey shop building on King Street at about 21:00 on Monday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) dispatched two appliances and a height vehicle, however the fire quickly spread across neighbouring premises.

Crews remained on the scene on Tuesday morning and closures to roads and nearby businesses were put in place.

There were no reports of any injuries, but residents have been warned to keep their windows closed.

An SFRS spokesperson said a total of six appliances were battling the fire at its peak in the early hours of Tuesday.

Two crews and an aerial appliance remain on the scene, they added.

The Burns Mall shopping area has been closed, as have King Street, Sandbed Street and Sandbed Lane.

East Ayrshire Council urged pedestrians and drivers to avoid the area and keep roads clear.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said inquiries into the cause of the fire were ongoing.