WINCHESTER city centre was plunged into chaos on Monday when a fire broke out in the upper floor of an office building owned by Hampshire County Council.

More than 50 firefighters raced to Three Minsters House, on the High Street, following reports of a roof fire in the building, which is currently undergoing refurbishment.

The first crews arrived on the scene around 1pm and were there for more than five hours, using scaffolding and a material lift to access the upper floor of the 19th Century building, where the first is believed to have started.

County council staff were evacuated from the building, the police closed the road between Southgate Street and Romsey Road, neighbouring shops were evacuated, and people were told to avoid the area.

A council spokesman said: “An investigation has begun to identify the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage at Three Minsters House. The building remains inaccessible and arrangements have been put in place for all affected staff to work in other locations.”