Demolition work begins on fire-hit building
BBCDemolition work has begun after a fire broke out in a derelict three-storey building in Stoke-on-Trent city centre.
Dozens of firefighters were called to deal with the blaze on Stafford Street, Hanley, shortly before 00:40 BST on Thursday and battled it throughout the day as surrounding roads were closed.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Friday the blaze had been extinguished but crews remained at the scene to dampen down hot spots.
Officials from Stoke-on-Trent City Council were also in the area as demolition work began, with an investigation into the cause to take place in due course, the fire service added.
"A further multi-agency meeting will take place tomorrow once demolition has been carried out," a spokesperson said.
"Next steps will then be agreed over plans to carry out a search of the building."
They confirmed Foundry Street had reopened but a section of Stafford Street, near Leek Building Society, and the top of Trinity Street remained closed.
At the peak of the fire, six crews of about 40 firefighters, two aerial ladder platforms and a fire command vehicle were in attendance.
Roof tiles had to be removed from the building to enable firefighters to tackle the blaze, the fire service said.
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