Firefighters battle nursery blaze as flames rip through roof

Firefighters are battling a well-developed blaze at a nursery school in Edinburgh.

Crews were called to Lanark Road Nursery after the fire was first reported at around 7.20am on Wednesday.

Six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the scene.

Thick black smoke could be seen for miles as flames took hold of the roof of the three-storey building near Dovecot Park in Kings Knowe.

Officers said there are not believed to be any injuries as a result.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.19am on Wednesday, May 5 to reports of a building fire on Lanark Road, Edinburgh.

“Operations Control mobilised six appliances and a height vehicle to the scene to extinguish a well-developed fire affecting the roof space of a three-storey building.

“There are no reported casualties at this time.

“Crews remain in attendance.”

Police Scotland are also in attendance assisting the fire service.

A spokesman for the force said: “Lanark Road is currently closed between Kingsknowe Drive and Kingsknowe South due to a fire.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

“Thank you for your patience.”

Councillor Andrew Johnstone said: “There has been a fire at Lanark Road Nursery this morning but understand everyone is safe and well.

“Very sad news for an important local business and for the parents and children that attend.”