Pictures show scene of fire at old Southsea casino

People are being warned to avoid the Osborne Road area after a large number of calls were made to the fire service by worried locals around 5pm.

A large fire service response has been joined by several police cars and ambulances at the location.

A fire service spokesperson said: “Crews from Southsea, Cosham, Fareham and Havant were first alerted shortly after 5pm when our control room received a large number of calls.

“The second-floor and roof of the building are involved in the blaze, with firefighters using jets and an aerial ladder to tackle the flames. Please avoid the area due to the number of emergency services vehicles on the scene.”