Coventry residents have been told to avoid the area after fire crews rushed to tackle a huge blaze at Henley College. Flames could be seen coming from the building on Henley Road as smoke billowed up into the sky, which could be seen for miles around.

West Midlands Fire Service has initially taken to social media to warn locals about the incident. The post reads: “We have twelve crews in attendance at Henley Road, Coventry, where they have responded to a Fire at a disused College Building.

“Please avoid the area, where possible.”

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At this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown. Police and ambulance crews have also been spotted at the scene. Despite warnings, residents are out in force, lining adjacent streets and watching the flames rip through the building. The live incident is also causing traffic issues in the area.

The site, formerly a campus of Coventry College, has not been used as an educational establishment for several years, having previously been an important institution since the 1960s. It has been used for filming purposes in recent years, and emergency services training exercises as recently as earlier this month.

West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police have all been approached for more information.